Pulmonary hypertension
If you or someone else has sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Pulmonary hypertension happens when the blood pressure inside your pulmonary (lung) arteries is too high.
- If you have pulmonary hypertension, your first symptoms are usually breathlessness and fatigue.
- Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by heart disease, lung disease, tumours, genetic conditions, connective tissue diseases and HIV.
- Pulmonary hypertension is a serious medical condition that can lead to heart failure.
- There is currently no cure for pulmonary hypertension, treatment may include oxygen therapy, medicines, surgery and addressing the condition causing it.
What is pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension happens when the blood pressure in your pulmonary arteries is too high.
Your pulmonary arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your lungs. It is a serious medical condition that can lead to heart failure and other health problems over time. Pulmonary hypertension is not the same as hypertension (high blood pressure).
There are different types of pulmonary hypertension. They are grouped based on what causes it and any other health conditions you may have.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?
If you or someone else has sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
If you have pulmonary hypertension, your first symptoms may include:
- breathlessness — at first only when you exercise but later also when you are resting
- fatigue (tiredness)
As your condition gets worse, your symptoms may also include:
- dizziness
- fainting
- heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat
- chest pain (angina)
- swelling in your ankles, legs or abdomen (tummy)
If another health condition is causing pulmonary hypertension, you may also have symptoms of that condition. Your symptoms usually get worse as the disease progresses.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is caused by changes to the blood vessels in your lungs. Many conditions can cause these changes, such as:
- left heart disease — such as left heart failure or valve disease
- lung disease — such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pulmonary fibrosis or sleep apnoea
- organ disease — such as liver disease or chronic kidney failure
- blockages in your arteries — because of tumours, blood clots or narrowing of your arteries
- connective tissue diseases — such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Raynaud disease
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- genetic disorders and congenital (birth) heart defects
You can read more about the different forms of pulmonary hypertension here.
What factors increase my risk of pulmonary hypertension?
Your risk of developing pulmonary hypertension is higher if you:
- have a family health history of pulmonary hypertension and certain other disorders
- are living with obesity
- are exposed to certain toxins, medicines or drugs
- smoke cigarettes
When should I see my doctor?
If you or someone else has sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
You should see your doctor if you:
- have early symptoms of pulmonary hypertension
- have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and are worried your treatment is not working
- have pulmonary hypertension and are planning a pregnancy
If you are planning a pregnancy, your doctor can discuss the risks and help create a plan to make it as safe as possible.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose pulmonary hypertension by:
- examining you
- asking you questions about your symptoms and medical history
- referring you for tests
Tests and procedures may include:
- ECG (electrocardiogram) and echocardiogram
- X-ray, CT-scan or MRI scan of your chest
- lung function tests
- lung angiogram
- walk test or stress test to check how much exercise you can do before symptoms happen
- blood tests
- cardiac catheterisation
Pulmonary hypertension may happen on its own or may be caused by other diseases. The symptoms are often general. For this reason, you may have pulmonary hypertension for some time before it is diagnosed.
How is pulmonary hypertension treated?
Treatment for pulmonary hypertension depends on what is causing it and how severe it is. You will be referred to and treated by a specialist doctor. Treatment may include:
- treating what is causing your pulmonary hypertension
- oxygen therapy
- medicines — such as diuretic medicines, heart medicines and blood thinners
- medical procedures or surgery
Your doctor may also recommend:
- exercise classes with a health professional
- social support to help you cope
- vaccinations — such as influenza, streptococcus pneumoniae and covid-19
- iron supplements if your iron levels are low
If you are childbearing age, it is important to use reliable contraception. If you are planning a pregnancy, speak with your specialist so you can get the right treatment.
There is no cure for pulmonary hypertension. Early treatment can improve how you feel and how your disease progresses.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
Living with pulmonary hypertension
Living with pulmonary hypertension can be distressing for you and your family. If you have anxiety or stress related to pulmonary hypertension, ask for help. Support groups can provide guidance and help you manage your situation.
What are the complications of pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension can increase your risk of complications, including:
If you have tried all treatment options and they have not worked, your doctor may recommend a heart or lung transplant.
Can pulmonary hypertension be prevented?
You can reduce your risk of developing pulmonary hypertension by addressing factors that increase your risk.
For example, you can lower your chances of developing heart and lung disease. This can also reduce your risk of developing pulmonary hypertension.
To lower your risk, you can:
- quit smoking if you smoke
- keep a healthy diet
- lower how much alcohol you drink
Resources and support
- To learn more about pulmonary hypertension and how to connect with others, visit Pulmonary Hypertension Association Australia.
- Lung Foundation Australia has a helpful booklet about living with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and you are struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Other languages
If you are looking to quit smoking, call Quitline on 13 7848 for interpreter services in multiple languages.
Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?
If you are struggling with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, contact 13 Yarn for a safe space to yarn about worries.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: December 2024
