elevated pulmonary artery pressure

I am wondering if anyone can help me understand this.

I am 28 years old, female, thin, overall very healthy; I do have a thyroid problem.

My question is I had an echo done on my heart and they have said I have "elevated pulmonary artery pressure"

right atrium is 10mm and right ventricle is 40.3. I see a cardiologist on Mar. 16th.

I have researched this and am extremely upset. Can anyone tell me how serious my numbers are? Or what this means?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Do you have a family history of heart diseases? Pulmonary hypertension is an increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteryand may present as shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and are exacerbated by exertion. To confirm the diagnosis, complete physical examination and laboratory tests such as pulmonary function tests; blood tests to exclude HIV, autoimmune diseases, and liver disease; electrocardiography (ECG); arterial blood gas measurements; X-rays of the chest and ventilation-perfusion or V/Q scanning to exclude chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Normal pulmonary arterial pressure is around 12–16 mm Hg. Pulmonary hypertension is present when mean pulmonary artery pressure exceeds 25 mm Hg at rest or 30 mm Hg with exercise. You may opt to repeat the test or have further evaluation done to determine if a diagnosis of pulmonary hyper tension is present. Take care and do keep us posted.

[JKristina]

There is no family histroy of heart disease.

I've just had a CT scan, echo, EKG, chest x-ray, and blood work. Everything was normal except the pulmonary pressure on the echo.

I've noticed some shortness of breath over the past year. It seemed to come and go. It is especially noticable around the time of my period. I've also noticed that going up and down alot of steps will cause my heart to pound really hard.

This last week (which was the week before my period) I became so short of breath I could not sleep, I had to sit straight up or I could not breath. It lasted 2-3 nights and I then went to the dr.

Can you tell me with a right atrium pressure of 10mm and right ventricle pressure of 40.3 mm does that mean my systolic pressure is 10/40? how do you get the mean pressure?

Also my father is positive for factor 5 blood clot gene. I have been tested but no results yet.

If I had chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension would the CT have shown it?

Is there a reason why my symtoms (symptoms) are so much worse before my period?

Thank you
Jamie

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
It is good that the tests done were normal and you do not have a family history of heart disease. How about your blood pressure?  If it occurs before your period, this can be hormonal in nature also. Before the menstruation occurs, the uterus also releases hormones or prostaglandins that cause the cramping and premenstruation sympoms.  But to be sure about this, especially if your symptomatic, a repeat test may be done.A CT scan will just show any abnormality in the anatomy or structures. Take care and best regards.

[JKristina]

I had a repeat echo and a stress test done on Tuesday. The echo was done after I was done running on the treadmill. It revealed a normal heart, and normal pulmonary pressure. I explained to the doctors that I was told I had "moderate pulmonary hypertension" and they all looked at me funny. They measured the pressure on the monitor 2 or three times and explained exactly how it worked. The pressure was never over 25. It was 11/12 and 11/14. They assured me that I would not have to worry about pulmonary hypertension until I was 70.

I still feel unsure of things and scared about the whole situation. I don't know what to think.

Can you please give me you opinion? Could I have this even though the second test was normal?

Also the shortness of breath does get a lot worse before and during my period. If it is hormonal what hormones or lack of hormones could cause this?

I am scared for my next period to come. I am desperate for answers.

Thanks

[JKristina]

My blood pressure is usually always low-normal

[gmachris518]

Doctors sometimes make mistakes.  It could be that the first test was botched.  

A while back I had a blood draw and about 2 hours later the doctor was on the phone telling me to get to the nearest ER, that I could drop dead at any moment.  I kind of dragged my feet because I felt fine and just wanted to spend my evening at home.  The next thing I know, another doctor is on the phone and he's screaming at me that I need to get to the ER, ASAP or I was going to die.

Reluctantly I put my shoes back on and went to the ER about a mile from my home.  When I got there, they had already heard from both doctors and were in a panic.  It seems when my blood was drawn that the potassium level was dangerously elevated.

After about 2 hours of heart monitors and bloodwork, the results came in and it was nothing but a botched blood draw, and I was fine.

My points is, don't believe everything you're told, and if possible get a 3rd opinion.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
It is good that the the repeated tests and your blood pressure are fine. Indeed, if you still feel that something is amiss, a third opinion is possible. Although it is also possible, basing from your sympotm, that this is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This refers to a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5 to 11 days before start of the period. The symptoms usually stop when menstruation begins. The exact cause has not been identified and symptoms such as  headache, abdominal cramps or heaviness, nausea, decreased coordination, anxiety or panic, confusion, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, paranoia or increased fears can be present. A symptom calendar can help identify the most troublesome symptoms and to confirm the diagnosis of PMS. Exercise and diet changes can also help relieve symptoms. Talk to your doctor about this for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.