Pulmonary Hypertension Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital

Testing for Pulmonary Hypertension

The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are often vague and mimic other diseases. One or more of the following tests may be needed to correctly diagnose pulmonary hypertension.

Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram (ECHO) to identify areas of the heart that are contracting irregularly. The ECHO uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart.

Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) determines the rate and regularity of the heartbeat.

Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization determines the pressure on the heart and the blood vessels feeding it. The catheterization requires a small tube to be inserted in an artery or vein the arm or thigh and passed through to the heart. An injection of dye allows your doctor to see the pattern of blood flow to and through the pulmonary artery.

CT scans  

CT scans to take X-ray pictures of the chest.

Pulmonary function tests

Pulmonary function tests assess lung capacity.

Ventilation/perfusion

Ventilation/perfusion (VQ) scan shows blood and oxygen flow through the lungs. The VQ scan uses gamma radiation to produce a picture of the lungs.

Oximetry

Oximetry measures the saturation of oxygen in the blood.

Sleep Study

Sleep study measures breathing overnight.

---

Pulmonary Hypertension Treatments

Medications

Medications used to treat pulmonary hypertension correct imbalances in the hormones that control the widening and narrowing of blood vessels.

Oxygen

Pulmonary hypertension is also treated with oxygen.

Lung Transplant

If medication fails to control pulmonary hypertension and the lungs are severely damaged, patients may require a lung transplant.