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Possible Pulmonary Hypertension
Hi,
I'm a 26yr old female, I've been having shortness of breath for the last year. I've had chest xrays (neg), D-Dimer Test (normal), EKG (normal) and Echo cardiogram done. I had my echo done at the end of dec 2011, I recently picked up test results and saw that it said "Mild mitral and pulmonary insufficiency". My cardiologist isn't concerned, but my pulmonologist seemed a bit concerned. Everything else on the echo was normal, just the insufficiency. Is this enough to suspect possible Pulmonary Hypertension? If the doctor suspected PAH, would it have been stated in the echo results? Thanks.
I'm a 26yr old female, I've been having shortness of breath for the last year. I've had chest xrays (neg), D-Dimer Test (normal), EKG (normal) and Echo cardiogram done. I had my echo done at the end of dec 2011, I recently picked up test results and saw that it said "Mild mitral and pulmonary insufficiency". My cardiologist isn't concerned, but my pulmonologist seemed a bit concerned. Everything else on the echo was normal, just the insufficiency. Is this enough to suspect possible Pulmonary Hypertension? If the doctor suspected PAH, would it have been stated in the echo results? Thanks.
Thank you doctor for your response. I have a follow up question, would having mild pulmonary insufficiency with SOB change the risk of having PAH? I have been reading online that mild pulmonary insufficiency without symptoms is not worrisome, but with symptoms such as SOB it can indicate PAH. I made a follow up appt with my cardiologist but continue to worry about having PAH? If I did have PAH would my symptoms come and go or would they worsen over time? Thank you again for your time.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and welcome to the forum.
From what you described, nothing thus far is suggestive of the presence of pulmonary hypertension. Also, having mild amounts of mitral and pulmonic insufficiency is common and, like your cardiologist said, almost never anything to worry about at all. Echo is a test that can provide a lot of false positive and negative suggestions of pulmonary hypertension. The fact that this was not commented on in your echo report is a good thing but would not exclude the presence of PH. Rather, a thorough history and physical exam are key. On the echo, the presence of an enlarged right ventricle would increase one's suspicion. But, the only way to entirely exclude PH is by an invasive cardac catheterization. Again, the chances that you have PH is close to 0 based on the information you have provided me.
Regarding the diet pill use, it was the combination of adipex with another drug called fenfluramine that increased the risk of PH (not adipex alone). And even if you took Phen-Fen, it wouldnt change the fact that you likely do not have PH.
The most important thing for you, however, is that you get to the bottom of what is causing your shortness of breath so that your quality of life can be restored.
All the best,
Dr. Rich
From what you described, nothing thus far is suggestive of the presence of pulmonary hypertension. Also, having mild amounts of mitral and pulmonic insufficiency is common and, like your cardiologist said, almost never anything to worry about at all. Echo is a test that can provide a lot of false positive and negative suggestions of pulmonary hypertension. The fact that this was not commented on in your echo report is a good thing but would not exclude the presence of PH. Rather, a thorough history and physical exam are key. On the echo, the presence of an enlarged right ventricle would increase one's suspicion. But, the only way to entirely exclude PH is by an invasive cardac catheterization. Again, the chances that you have PH is close to 0 based on the information you have provided me.
Regarding the diet pill use, it was the combination of adipex with another drug called fenfluramine that increased the risk of PH (not adipex alone). And even if you took Phen-Fen, it wouldnt change the fact that you likely do not have PH.
The most important thing for you, however, is that you get to the bottom of what is causing your shortness of breath so that your quality of life can be restored.
All the best,
Dr. Rich
I also want to mention that I used adipex drug in the past for 2Weeks.. I know now it increases ur risk of PAH.. But would that be for long term use?
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