mild pulmonary hypertension, FVL, and miscarriages

Hi--

I am 33 and overweight by 50 lbs.  My husband and I have been trying to conceive our first baby.  I had 2 miscarriages in a short period of time and I went for an evaluation with a specialist.  He found no problems other than the fact that I tested positive for factor v leiden.  As a result, I will use Heparin for my next pregnancy.  The infertility specialist also sent me to a cardiologist due to a heart murmur.  The cardiologist did an echo and said my murmur is minor, but that I have mild pulmonary hypertension (RV systolic pressure of 42).  He wants me to follow up annually with echos.  

Do you think that the factor v leiden and pulmonary hypertension are related?  Would you recommend that I see a pulmonologist for further testing regarding the PH?  Can the fact that I have PH be dangerous to me if/when I become pregnant again?  

Thanks You!

[Cleveland Clinic]

sbteacher,

Hopefully you can carry a successful pregnancy. I have a close friend with FVL who took SQ heparin who now has a healthy 1 year old that she delivered after 2 previous miscarriages.  Her success was a tribute to her perseverance and good care from a high risk OB specialist.

One thing I would be concerned with the PHTN would be the whether you were having chronic pulmonary emboli leading to the PHTN. A cardiologist or pulmonologist should be able to evaluate you and follow you for this.

Mild PHTN in itself shouldnt pose too much risk, but should be followed closely.

good luck

[jan]

I have FVL, too and mildly elev. pulmonary pressure (along with other conditions).  I was told to get an echo in 5 yrs., but I have the same concern the dr. expressed to you, what if it's chronic PE that is leading to the elev. pressure??? I don't know what to do.  Maybe at my 6 month check up with my cardio I will mention it.

[sbteacher]

Thanks, Doctor for sharing that information.  I will definitely look into it.

Jan--I'm not sure what the answer is.  Maybe you should request an earlier appointment.  I'm going to schedule another appointment with my cardiologist (as well as a pulmonologist) to see if we can do some tests to determine if I have had pulmonary emboli.  I'll probably be seeing them over the next couple of weeks and I'd be happy to share the information I get from them with you.

[jan]

Thanks, I would really appreciate that.