Pulmonary Hypertension

[synaptagal]

I have moderate Pulmonary Hypertension secondary to an uncorrected ASD.  Is it too late for a correction?

[Jonathan D. Rich, MD]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

The answer to your question is quite honestly that "it depends".  And this is a CRITICAL juncture and this decision needs to be made by a true expert.  

If the situation is not too late, closing the defect is imperative.  On the other hand, if blood has begun to travel in the opposite direction (ie right to left), then closing the defect could prove deadly.  I cant emphasize enough that this should be evaluated by a true expert.  It is not difficult to determine frankly when this is what you do for a specialty but I have seen sad cases where a doc thinks they are doing the right thing but has miscalculated.

Hope this helps.  GOod luck.

Dr. Rich

[synaptagal]

I would like to thank the good Dr. for such a quick reply.  I would assume
that  when he says the decision to close or not close the defect needs to be
made by a true expert; as in a congenital heart disease expert, correct?

[Jonathan D. Rich, MD]

Not necessarily congenital heart disease expert per se although it should be someone (ie a PH expert) who also evaluates and cares for many patients with unrepaired congential defects...

[synaptagal]

Thank you so much, I was hoping I wouldn't have to go out of state but
since there are no PH experts in NJ, I guess I will.  My husband just died
from complications from muscular dystrophy, so I put everything concern-
ing myself on the back burner.  I always assumed my defect could not be
corrected for whatever reason as my cardiologist never brought the subject
up. I never brought the subject up because I figured there was no sense to.
I'm sure that makes no sense.

[Jonathan D. Rich, MD]

I'm sorry to hear about your husband.  This must be an extremely difficult time for you.  I wish you only the best in future health and happiness.

[synaptagal]

Thank you so much Dr. Rich.