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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Pulmonary Hypertension after PE
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Pulmonary Hypertension after PE
by KMH, Mar 05, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 41 year old, non-smoker, female. In early December, 2003 I had a Pulmonary Embolism after being on oral contraceptives for 3 weeks to treat another condition. My symptoms (chest pain and tightness, back pain, shortness of breath, etc.) improved greatly by mid-January, but then reappeared and have increased in intensity since early February. Along with Coumadin, I'm also on 50mg Vioxx. Pulmonologist said PA 36. Still waiting for results of PFT, but he feels serious condition ruled out. Should I be concerned and should I get a second opinion? Can PE cause PHT? If not PHT, what would be causing these symptoms? The PE still? Will the symptoms go away on their own?? Thanks for your help!
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Mar 15, 2004 12:00AM
, Mar 15, 2004 12:00AM
You should request a second opinion and you should do so without delay.
Pulmonary emboli (PE) can cause pulmonary hypertension. Even though you have stopped taking the oral contraceptive and started taking the Coumadin� (warfarin) your symptoms have reappeared and increased in intensity. It is highly likely that pulmonary emboli are still forming. This is common. It is a serious condition that has not been ruled out. Your symptoms will only go away when the cause is identified and treated.
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. These are the blood vessels that bring blood to the lung from the heart. Normal pulmonary artery pressure is 25/15 mm Hg. The mean value ranges from 12 to 16 mm Hg. So your pulmonary artery (PA) pressure of 36 is high, without a doubt.
Pulmonary emboli (PE) can cause pulmonary hypertension. Even though you have stopped taking the oral contraceptive and started taking the Coumadin� (warfarin) your symptoms have reappeared and increased in intensity. It is highly likely that pulmonary emboli are still forming. This is common. It is a serious condition that has not been ruled out. Your symptoms will only go away when the cause is identified and treated.
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. These are the blood vessels that bring blood to the lung from the heart. Normal pulmonary artery pressure is 25/15 mm Hg. The mean value ranges from 12 to 16 mm Hg. So your pulmonary artery (PA) pressure of 36 is high, without a doubt.
