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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Recently diagnosed with PH...six yrs. diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis
Answered by
CO
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Recently diagnosed with PH...six yrs. diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis
by jan3145, Oct 01, 2008 08:13PM
My echo report came back with my bp in the lungs reading at 66. I read an article that said any number greater than 50 equals severe Pulmonary Hypertension. Is this true?
I have had Pulmonary Fibrosis diagnosed since April 02, I've been very lucky through some close calls during this time. Now I am afraid of what this new complication will mean. The doctor has not called with any info yet or plan of care. What do I do?
I have had Pulmonary Fibrosis diagnosed since April 02, I've been very lucky through some close calls during this time. Now I am afraid of what this new complication will mean. The doctor has not called with any info yet or plan of care. What do I do?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Oct 08, 2008 03:51PM
, Oct 08, 2008 03:51PM
Normal pulmonary artery pressure is usually cited as, 25/10 with a mean pressure of 15. More recent data, however, suggests that there exists greater variation in average, normal pressure. If 66 is your systolic pressure, this would be a slight to moderate elevation of pressure; if 66 is the mean pressure, it would probably be in the moderate to severe category, and of a different order of magnitude. Severity is not measured, just by absolute-numerical pressures, but by its impact on the individual. See the following from Braunwald's Heart Disease Textbook:
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World Health Organization Functional Classification of Pulmonary Hypertension
Class I—Patients with pulmonary hypertension but without resulting limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or syncope.
Class II—Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in slight limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or syncope.
Class III—Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Less than ordinary activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or syncope.
Class IV—Patients with pulmonary hypertension with inability to carry out any physical activity without symptoms. These patients manifest signs of right heart failure. Dyspnea and/or fatigue may even be present at rest. Discomfort is increased by any physical activity.
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Any determination of severity should take the above into account. Our current understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of pulmonary hypertension far exceeds that of just 5 to 10 years ago. It would be most important to determine if hypoxemia, which is low blood oxygen levels, especially at night while you sleep, is a factor contributing to your hypertension because it can be a major factor in some instances and is easily correctable.
Good luck.
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World Health Organization Functional Classification of Pulmonary Hypertension
Class I—Patients with pulmonary hypertension but without resulting limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or syncope.
Class II—Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in slight limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or syncope.
Class III—Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Less than ordinary activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain, or syncope.
Class IV—Patients with pulmonary hypertension with inability to carry out any physical activity without symptoms. These patients manifest signs of right heart failure. Dyspnea and/or fatigue may even be present at rest. Discomfort is increased by any physical activity.
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Any determination of severity should take the above into account. Our current understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of pulmonary hypertension far exceeds that of just 5 to 10 years ago. It would be most important to determine if hypoxemia, which is low blood oxygen levels, especially at night while you sleep, is a factor contributing to your hypertension because it can be a major factor in some instances and is easily correctable.
Good luck.
