What is Pulmonary Hypertension?1
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. It develops when the blood pressure in your lungs is higher than normal. Pulmonary hypertension makes the heart work harder than normal to pump blood into the lungs.
Key Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension1
Dizziness that may lead to fainting
Hoarseness
Coughing that is dry or produces blood
Shortness of breath
Nausea and vomiting
Pulmonary
Hypertension
Key Symptoms
Wheezing, which is a whistling sound when you breathe out
Weakness
Fatigue
Swelling of the abdomen, legs, or feet
Chest Pain
Dizziness that may lead to fainting
Weakness
Hoarseness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Swelling of the abdomen, legs, or feet
Coughing that is dry or produces blood
Chest Pain
Nausea and vomiting
Wheezing, which is a whistling sound when you breathe out
Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension1
Pulmonary hypertension can happen for different reasons. Doctors group it based on the cause.
Medical Conditions
Left heart diseases
Inflammatory Condition
Other heart and blood vessel diseases such as congenital (inherited) heart defects
Inhaling Certain Substances
Lung diseases such as COPD, ILD, emphysema, or sleep apnea
Allergic Reaction
Other medical conditions such as liver disease, sickle cell disease, blood clots in the lungs, or connective tissue disorders
Risk Factors2
Age
Pulmonary hypertension can occur at any age, but your risk increases as you get older.
Environment
You may be at an increased risk of pulmonary hypertension if you have or are exposed to Asbestos or certain infections caused by parasites
Family history and genetics
Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and illegal drug use
Medicines
Some prescribed medicines used to treat cancer and depression may increase your risk of pulmonary hypertension
More common in women than men
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension1
Pulmonary hypertension is not always easy to detect early.
Your doctor may recommend:
Blood tests
Heart Imaging tests such as cardiac MRI
Lung Imaging tests such as chest X-ray
ECG or EKGlooks for changes in the electrical activity of your heart.
References:
1. Pulmonary hypertension. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pulmonary-hypertension. Accessed March 18, 2026.