normal RVSP but still "borderline elevated PAP"??

[ChesterCookie]

can you explain this?? I had an echo done, RVSP of 38.  All values otherwise normal, except the following:
RV 29mm
LA/Vol index 14mm
pulmonic velocity 1.1m/s
mitral E velocity .99m/s (E/A ratio was 1.1)
E .089cm/s
e/e 11

the comments section said "borderline elevated pulmonary artery pressure."  Does this mean something in terms of pulmonary hypertension?  Can this be caused by being slightly overweight because my doctor said it might improve if I lost weight and/or got in better shape.  Confused and also worried.

[Jonathan D. Rich, MD]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

First, an RVSP of 32 is essentially normal.  Second, echo tests can not diagnose pulmonary hypertension (a lot of doctors unfortunately do not appreciate this).  Third, being overweight can certainly cause mild pulmonary hypertension and weight loss would help a lot.

Finally, and most importantly, DONT WORRY, sounds exceedingly unlikely that you have PH.  Hope this helps your worries.

Good luck.

Dr. Rich

[ChesterCookie]

CORRECTION, RVSP 32.