pharmasites logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Diagnosis

Pulmonary hypertension can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other heart or lung conditions.

This means there can sometimes be a delay before a correct diagnosis is made.

See a GP if you have symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, such as breathlessness and tiredness.

Initial assessment

A GP may ask about:

  • your symptoms and how they affect your life
  • your family history – although rare, pulmonary arterial hypertension can run in families
  • any medicine you're currently taking
  • any other medical conditions you have

You may also have a physical examination where a GP will listen to your heart and lungs, and check for any swelling in your legs or ankles.

Further tests

If a GP thinks you may have pulmonary hypertension, they'll recommend further tests.

The 2 main tests used to help diagnose the condition are:

  • an echocardiogram – a scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the heart; it's used to estimate the pressure in your pulmonary arteries and test how well both sides of your heart are pumping
  • right heart catheterisation – a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a vein in your neck, arm or groin, and passed through to your pulmonary artery to confirm a diagnosis by accurately measuring the blood pressure in the right side of your heart and pulmonary arteries; it's carried out in specialist national pulmonary hypertension centres

Other tests you may have include:

  • an electrocardiogram (ECG) – a simple test that can be used to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity
  • a chest X-ray – to check for symptoms such as an enlarged heart or scarring in your lungs, which can cause shortness of breath
  • lung function tests – to assess how well your lungs work
  • exercise tests – where you carry out some form of exercise while your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels are monitored
  • a ventilation-perfusion scan – where the amount of air and blood flow in your lungs is measured; it's used to look for blood clots that may be causing pulmonary hypertension
  • blood tests – to rule out other possible conditions, such as thyroid and liver disease
Classifying pulmonary hypertension

If you're diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, your condition will be classified depending on how severe your symptoms are. This is to help work out the best treatment for you.

It's usually classified into 4 types, where: 

  • ordinary physical activities do not cause any symptoms
  • ordinary physical activities cause symptoms, such as chest pain or tiredness, but you do not have any symptoms when resting
  • even slight physical activities, such as moving your arms, cause symptoms, but you do not have any symptoms when resting
  • you have symptoms when resting that get worse with any type of physical activity

Read about how pulmonary hypertension is treated.

Last Reviewed
05 May 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
Pharmasites footer logo.
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
With over a decade's experience working with UK pharmacies and supplying software that manages over 1,500 UK pharmacy websites, you're in safe hands with Pharmasites. Get in touch today!
Menu
Home
Free Upgrade
Pricing
Referrer Rewards
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Features
Easy Website Updates
Interactive Maps
Book NHS & Private Services
Pharmacy First
eCommerce
Built-in NHS A-Z
NHS App Integration
See more features
Pharmasites
11 Anderson Way, Lea, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5EF
matt@pharmasites.co.uk
01904 349 316
No store selected for contacts
No contacts at this store
Pharmasites © 2024
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions