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Pulmonary Hypertension: Care Instructions

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Overview

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. These blood vessels carry blood from the heart to the lungs, where the blood picks up oxygen. The walls of the arteries may get thick, and the arteries may get narrow. When this happens, blood does not flow as well as it should. Pressure builds up in the arteries. Then your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your lungs.

There are different types of pulmonary hypertension. They are caused by different things. Causes include other health conditions such as heart or lung problems. Sometimes it can happen without a known cause.

When you have this condition, your body gets less oxygen from your blood. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath and feeling tired, faint, or dizzy. Over time, these symptoms may change or get worse if your heart gets weaker. You may get heart failure. Heart failure means your heart doesn't pump as much blood as your body needs.

Treatment can help you feel better and live longer. Your treatment options will depend on the type of pulmonary hypertension you have.

It can be hard to learn that you have a problem with your lungs and heart. But there are things you can do to feel better and stay as active as you can.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Medicine

 
  • Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
  • Your doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy. You will get more details on how to use it.
  • Talk to your doctor before you take any vitamins, over-the-counter medicine, or herbal products. Don't take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) without talking to your doctor first.
  • If you take a blood thinner, be sure to get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.

Activity

  • Be as active as you can. Talk to your doctor about making a plan before you start a new activity.
  • Ask your doctor if a pulmonary rehabilitation program is right for you.
  • Learn how to save your energy.

Staying healthy

  • Eat healthy foods.
  • Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your doctor if you need help losing weight.
  • Try to quit using tobacco and other nicotine products. This includes smoking and vaping. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good. Try to avoid secondhand smoke too.
  • Manage other health problems such as sleep apnea.
  • Talk to your doctor about preventing pregnancy. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause changes in the body that could be life-threatening for people who have this condition.
  • Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and the flu. Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine shot. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Talk with your doctor before traveling. Your doctor may suggest that you use oxygen if you fly or visit a place that is at high altitude. Follow the instructions on how to use oxygen safely.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have symptoms of sudden heart failure. These may include:
    • Severe trouble breathing.
    • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
    • Coughing up pink, foamy mucus.
    • Passing out.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or changed symptoms of heart failure, such as:
    • New or increased shortness of breath.
    • New or worse swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
    • Sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week. (Your doctor may suggest a different range of weight gain.)
    • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded or like you may faint.
    • Feeling so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
    • Not sleeping well. Shortness of breath wakes you at night. You need extra pillows to prop yourself up to breathe easier.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have new or worse symptoms.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter E465 in the search box to learn more about "Pulmonary Hypertension: Care Instructions".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.