PAH Center

Accurately diagnosing PPH/PAH is very difficult for a number of reasons. First, there can be a single or multiple causes. Secondly, even if the disease has progressed, symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to other heart or lung conditions. And third, because PPH is not a common disorder, learning more about the disease continues to be a challenge. Therefore if a patient's symptoms may indicate PPH, a thorough examination at PPH clinic is usually recommended.

How is PPH/PAH diagnosed?

Physical examination

A routine exam that includes listening for sound abnormalities in the heart, such as a loud valve, gallop or systolic murmur. In addition, checking to see if the jugular vein is enlarged, legs or ankles are swollen, or nails appear bluish.

Blood Tests

Complete blood analysis is done to test liver and kidney function; check for thyroid problems, and to screen for collagen vascular disease and HIV. A blood gases test is also conducted to monitor how much oxygen is in the blood, along with a complete blood count to check for infection, high hemoglobin and anemia. In addition, an assessment is done to gauge heart failure.

Echocardigram

A picture is taken of the heart to determine how well the right side of the heart is working, and measure the blood flow through the heart. Based on the calculations obtained, a cardiologist can estimate the pulmonary artery pressure.

Chest X-ray

This type of picture verifies if the pulmonary arteries or the right side of the heart are enlarged.

6-Minute Walk Test

This gauges the level of exercise tolerance and the oxygen supply during exercise.

Pulmonary Tests

Often times these are performed to determine if other lung disorders exist such as COPD, IPF, etc.

Polysomnogram

This test is used to detect sleep apnea (when breathing stops or gets very shallow at night), which if found, lets doctors know that oxygen levels are low at nighttime.

Right Heart Catheterization

Ideal for measuring overall heart function. It identifies artery pressure, pressure approaching from the left side of the heart, any leaks between the right and left sides of the heart, as well as the rate at which the heart pumps blood.

Ventilation Perfusion Scan (V/Q Scan)

Provides data for any blood clots in the lungs.

Pulmonary Angiogram

By injecting a special dye into the body, this test identifies any blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.

Chest CT Scan

This analysis evaluates the conditions that may affect PPH such as blood clots, emphysema, edema or fibrosis of the lungs.