Pulmonary Hypertension

[jax3172]

Hi gang. I had ascending aorta and AV repair on 7/21/05. I just haven't been progressing post-op the way I would have liked. My recent echo came back with pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of 38 (mild PH). I sometimes have the sensation that I'm not getting enough air, even though I am. I see a specialist on 6/20. I also have poor R-wave progression and septal hypokinesis. I know what they are, but what do they affect? I also have mild tricuspid regurg (never had it before but may be caused by the PH). Any input would be appreciated. Except for the aneurysm, my condition was better before surgery, then now. Anyone else develop PH post-op?

My PCP told me 2 days ago that I worry too much. This really pissed me off. I keep searching for a feeling of good health and coming up short. I exercise as much as I can, given my current limitations. I eat right. I am pragmatic. I know my body. I know when something isn't right. I don't invent stuff. I want answers so I can attempt to deal with the issues. For those of you who have come out of surgery healthy, count your blessings, and take advantage of your healthy state.

 

[Nancy]

My husband has PH. I can't say for sure if it is from his surgeries or just his multiple co-morbidities.

He was in horrible shape when we found out what he had ( and by the way, his former card. knew all about it for several years and never told us, we found out by accident when Joe was in the ER, and it came up in an emergency echocardiogram). His pressures were 75 mean which classifies as severe PH. He spent a month in the hospital and was put on Tracleer. It worked wonderfully for him. He's been on it for several years, and it brought his pressures down to the low 40s, not normal, but much, much better.

He recently had to go off Tracleer due to liver problems which it can cause. He is still doing well. Tracleer acts on the actual cellular structure of the pulmonary vessels which have an abnormal lining. So, I'm hoping that the time he was on Tracleer was enough to replace all those abnormal cells. His pressure are still in the low 40s. He is being monitored very carefully for any return PH problems. So far, so good.

For your doctor to tell you that you worry too much is ridiculous. Ph is a wicked disease. It can be treated now with many things, and is no longer a death sentence. He needs an education.

I am glad you are going to a specialist. Some do not treat mild PH with the more heavy duty meds, but there are other meds that can be used to help you beathe better.

The Gold Standard for diagnosing PH is the right heart cath. An echo is not the correct tool.

Here is a link to the Pulmonary Hypertension Assoc. website.

http://www.phassociation.org/Message_Boards/main.asp?board=1

 

[jax3172]

Thank you Nancy

Thank you Nancy

Yes, I knew about right heart cath but this doctor wants to start our slow. I want to go right to the cath but I'll go with the flow until my visit. Who knows, maybe in the stress echo, we'll find my pressures normal again, but I doubt it.

 

[Barbara Stewart]

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension

I developed pulmonary hypertension after my first surgery. I'm not sure how long after the surgery it developed, but by the time I had my re do eight months later, my cardio told me my pressures were at 80. They came down to 60 right after. I am currently 4 months post op from my last surgery and am doing well. I think the only diagnostic test that has been run is a TEE and that is how it was diagnosed. Is that not an accurate reading? This PH has me scared, but my cardio says we should just wait and see what it does. I don't think I'm symptomatic, but I do get a dry cough that I feel down the middle of my chest. Does anyone have words of wisdom for me?

Barbara

 

[mntbiker]

My recent echo came back with pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of 38 (mild PH). I also have poor R-wave progression

Hi,
Sorry, all I can do is commiserate. I was also told the above. The best I can offer - Since the pressure is on an echo, which is not a reliable way to measure it, 38 is the minimum they will report for PH and is even considered to be borderline normal (by echo). The R wave can have many causes including LVH (my most likely cause). Since you were a BAV did you have that pre-surgery?

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

 

[Nancy]

A TEE is an internal echocardiogram.

The right heart cath is the acurate test for PH.

Here is another good link with PH FAQs, from the PHA website.

http://www.phassociation.org/Learn/FAQs/General_FAQ.asp#4