pulmunary pressure

I had an echo and was told that I have an estimated RV systolic pressure of 43mmHg consistent with mild pulmonary pressure.Also told that (IVC) inferior vena cava is dilated at 2.20cm and the vessel collapses with inspiration.What causes (mild) pulmunary pressure in an average 47 year old male?Does pulmonary pressure causes IVC to dilate?At what (diameter) size is IVC usually operated on?If IVC is dilated is there risk of rupture?Thank you.Ziggy

[National Jewish]

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is an increase in the pressure within the blood vessels of the lung.  Normal pulmonary artery pressure is 25/15.  PH is broken down into 2 groups based upon what is causing the problem.  Primary PH is caused by problems within the pulmonary blood vessels.  Secondary PH is due to a lung or heart problem.  PH can cause the inferior vena cava (IVC) to dilate, but does not cause it to rupture.

Your evaluation should determine the cause of your PH.  PH is a treatable disease.  The best treatment will depend upon the cause.  I strongly suggest that you discuss these findings with your doctor.

A local University Medical Center Clinic would have experience treating people with PH.

[zk]

Well another cardiologist told me that my pulmunary pressure is 25/12.How accurate are echo measurements of pulmunary pressure?Also can pulmunary pressure increase from 20(systolic) to 43(systolic) in just four years or from 30 systolic to 43 systolic in just four months?Thank you.