Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, or pulmonary capillaries) is abnormally high. Pulmonary hypertension can be a severe disease with a markedly decreased exercise tolerance and heart failure. It is because the right side of the heart must work harder to push the blood through the pulmonary arteries into the lungs. Over time, the right ventricle becomes thickened and enlarged.

Patients are normally monitored through commonly available tests such as pulse oximetry, arterial blood gas tests, chest X-rays, serial ECG tests, serial echocardiography, and spirometry or more advanced lung function studies. Diet suppressants, cocaine, HIV, and pregnancy are some of the factors that are thought to trigger constriction, or narrowing, in the pulmonary artery.

PH has no cure. However, research for new treatments is ongoing. The earlier PH is treated, the easier it is to control. Treatments include medicines, procedures, and other therapies. These treatments can relieve PH symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Lifestyle changes also can help control symptoms.