Prescription Assistance Links
Ohio Heart’s PH program includes ongoing research, access to clinical trials and provides patients with advanced care and treatment options available in only a handful of locations in the United States.
Our comprehensive pulmonary hypertension program at The Christ Hospital is led by medial director, Dr. Peter Engel. The best care for PH involves experts and staff from a range of disciplines, including cardiology, pulmonology and specially trained nurses who provide helpful assistance and support. Our team approach ensures the most effective diagnosis, treatment and seamless care.
What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension, or PH, is a simplified name for a complex health problem:
high blood pressure in the lungs. The name comes from pulmonary, or having to do with
the lungs, and hypertension, which means high blood pressure. It is a disease that affects
people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Symptoms
Pulmonary Hypertension is often not diagnosed in a timely manner because its early symptoms can be confused with those of many other conditions. Some of the symptoms of PH include:
• Breathlessness or shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Feeling tired all the time
• Lightheadedness, especially when climbing stairs or upon standing up
• Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen
• Chest pain, especially during physical activity
• Fainting
Diagnosing and Treating PH
A series of tests are performed to establish a PH diagnosis. These tests demonstrate how
well the heart and lungs are working and may include:
• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG, a recording of the electrical current in the heart)
• Right heart catheterization (direct measurement of pressure in the pulmonary arteries
and determination of how well the heart is pumping blood to the body)
• Six-minute walk test to assess exercise capacity
PH is a chronic condition that can become life-threatening. Although there is no cure, there are several treatments available and patients now have more options than ever before. Several drugs are now approved by the FDA for PH treatment. In conjunction with these medications, background therapy may also include medication that prevents blood clotting, heart failure medication, avoidance of pregnancy and avoidance of high altitude.
Be Proactive
There are several different types of PH. One thing that most types of PH have in common is that they are often not recognized until they are quite advanced. As a result, many people may have PH without knowing it—so increased awareness and earlier diagnosis lead to earlier treatment. If you suffer from shortness of breath or experience other PH symptoms, make an appointment to ensure immediate and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Delaying treatment could put you at risk for serious health problems, such as:
• Blood Clots
• Heart Failure
• Fluid build-up in the lungs and legs
Click here to watch a video of Dr. Engel provide information on pulmonary hypertension.
To contact one of our PH experts, please call 866.596.6118.
Our Pulmonary Hypertension Experts:
Peter J. Engel, MD, FACC
Lisa Taylor, BA, RN
Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s website is a comprehensive source of information. Visit www.PHAssociation.org