Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (often referred to as “PH”) is a type of high blood pressure in the lung vessels. This condition affects the arteries in the lungs and right side of the heart, making it harder for your heart to pump oxygen-rich blood.

The most common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include: 

• Shortness of breath 
• Difficulty exercising
• Chest pain 
• Near or complete fainting
• Right-sided heart failure symptoms, including swelling in ankles and legs (edema) and fluid in the abdomen (ascites) 

There are several different types of PH. Some are more serious and can become life threatening. For all pulmonary hypertension patients, early diagnosis and treatment by expert cardiologists can significantly help improve symptoms and quality of life, as well as reduce the risk of future cardiovascular problems. 

The cardiologists at Weill Cornell Medicine Pulmonary Hypertension Service at the Perkin Center for Heart failure specialize in diagnosing PH, as well as creating effective treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. 

Expert Diagnosis and Treatment at Weill Cornell Medicine

Diagnosis: Patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension will receive a variety of tests to correctly diagnose the condition. Our cardiologists use the most advanced imaging and diagnostic technology available. 

Our team specializes in cardiac catheterization—the definitive gold standard for diagnosing this complex disease. 

Treatments: At the Pulmonary Hypertension Service, we create multidisciplinary treatment plans that help each patient achieve their unique needs. Treatment options include: 

• Medications, including diuretics, anticoagulation medication, calcium antagonists, blood vessel dilators, and other medications
• Exercise recommendations
• Diuretics 
• Oxygen when necessary 
• Surgery, including minimally invasive surgery 

Our team also treats any related conditions—such as sleep apnea, interstitial lung disease, and lupus—and collaborates with other specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine as necessary. 

Team approach: The early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of patients with pulmonary hypertension require a team approach with physicians, nurse practitioners, dieticians, physical therapists and social workers. This collaborative approach maximizes our patients’ long-term wellbeing. 

Services Offered

The Perkin Center for Heart Failure, Mechanical Circulatory Support, and Pulmonary Vascular Disease at Weill Cornell Cardiology offers:

• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing to identify and follow patients with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure
• Inpatient transfer and outpatient management of patients with pulmonary hypertension
  • This includes intensive nutritional/dietary counseling, as well as telephone follow-up by a nurse practitioner who specializes in pulmonary hypertension
  • Specialty cardiac catheterization to diagnose and gauge response to treatment (done by our catheterization colleagues)
  • Opportunities for participation in multicenter clinical trials as well as ongoing original research
  • End-of-life management and palliative care for patients with unresponsive symptoms and limited life expectancy