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Heart Disease  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.

Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

by MBT, Apr 07, 2006 12:00AM
Thank you.

Above Dx from a specialized PH clinic in mid-2005, made by echocardiogram with an IV contrast agent, while exercising on a supine bike. I also did a 6-minute walk achieving 1580 feet. My EIPH was described as being caused by my BP being inadequately controlled. Many other tests were performed and all perceived normal. No RH cath.

Present medication daily: diltiazem 120mg, lipitor 10mg, lisinopril 25mg and ½ a triamterene/hctz 37.5/25 per day. The diuretic, introduced Dec '05 brought my BP to normal. A whole tablet left me SOB, hence the half. I am 60, 140lbs, F, non-smoker, non-drinker.

Last month, as a yearly follow up, I had an ‘ordinary’ echocardiogram at my local hospital and this was described as being not significantly different from one I had done at the same hospital just over a year ago. My heart strength was normal. One note, however, was, 'Normal right ventricle with moderate tricuspid regurgitation and significantly elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 65 mmHg. Normal pulmonic valve.' This was an increase from 58 mmHg.

My first question : Is the elevated pressure of 65 mmHg normal for my age?

Second, should I consider the pressure obtained at the PH clinic as being the correct one?  Estimated pressure then (mid 2005) was 32mmHg with BP 158/90, which increased to 60mmHg with BP 184/82 at peak exercise.

I get SOB, tired after hardly doing anything, have bouts of nausea/lightheadedness. The quality of my life has decreased. Maybe this is all to do with my age and I should accept this and go on with my life?

MBT

by Cleveland Clinic, Apr 07, 2006 12:00AM
MBT,

Thanks for the post.

65 mm Hg is an elevated pulmonary pressure at any age.  There is a specific and very routine evaluation for pulmonary hypertension. I would imagine, if you were seen at a pulmonry hypertension clinic that the etiology of your PHTN was evaluated. It is very important to figure out the underlying cause as there are some treatable causes.

The fact that your pressures are increased and your symptoms seem to be increasing really make it very important to be vigilent in this evaluation.  I would discuss these findings with your doctor or the specialist you saw in the pulmonary hypertension clinic.

Good luck
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