HEART DISEASE EXPERT FORUM
Pulm. Hypertension

Pulm. Hypertension

Dear Doctor,
Because of some severe dyspnea, I had a cath on both sides of the heart to measure the heart/lung pressure as well as look for blockages after having had a false positive stress echo and all was relatively ok (I have a connective tissue disease).  However my PFTs show gas exchange problems but the high resolution CT scan shows a lesser problem than the PFTs.  It is now thought that my Raynaud's is also affecting the pulm. artery and causing the problem, and I do have some diastolic dysfunction.
They are going to do a cold pressor echo to try to induce the Raynaud's to see what is happening with the Pulm. artery.
Why would there be such a difference between the CT Scan and PFTs, and have you had any experience with something similar.  I am an otherwise healthy 42 year old female.
Thank you.
Avatar_n_tn
Dear labrat,
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) measure lung capacity and breathing function.  If they also do a carbon dioxide exchange test it measures the degree to which your lung is exchanging oxygen.  A CT scan on the other hand only shows the anatomic features of the lungs.  If there is a problem on one it may or may not reflect on the other test.  

I have not seen a case exactly like yours.  This is really more in the expertise of a pulmonologist (lung specialist).  If you are not already seeing one I would ask your doctor for a referral to a pulmonologist at the nearest major medical center or medical school.
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I just don't understand, I have pulmonary hypertension and copd and sleep apnea.  I don't know when I got it or how I even got it.  The Doctors are just telling me about what is about to happen and they tell me there is nothing we can do about it, I'm tired of being sick, I spend too much time in the hospital, I'm taking too much medication.

I'm just really asking for help or even a second channce.
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