Pulmonary How Doctors Diagnose

A doctor may diagnose pulmonary hypertension based on:

* Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting spells. They will also ask about your risk factors for pulmonary hypertension, such as heart or lung disease, connective tissue disorders, or sleep apnea.

* Physical examination: Your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs for any unusual sounds. They will also check your pulse and blood pressure, and look for signs of fluid retention.

* Imaging tests: Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram, chest X-ray, or CT scan, to look for signs of pulmonary hypertension. These tests can also help to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

* Cardiac catheterization: In some cases, your doctor may recommend cardiac catheterization to measure the pressure in your heart and lungs. This test involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel in your leg and threading it up to your heart.

Your doctor may also order additional tests to determine the cause of your pulmonary hypertension. These tests may include:

* Blood tests: Blood tests can check for conditions such as anemia, kidney disease, or liver disease, which can all cause pulmonary hypertension.

* Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure how well your lungs are working.

* Sleep study: A sleep study can check for sleep apnea, a disorder in which you stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension.