Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition where patients have high blood pressure in the arteries that goes from their heart to their lungs. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. Over time, the heart can weaken or fail completely.

State-of-the-art treatment for this uncommon, but potentially fatal condition is available at only a few centers in the nation, including the University of Chicago Medicine. Here, our doctors provide the most advanced care available, based on more than 30 years of experience with PH.

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What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?

People with PH may notice the following signs and symptoms, which often begin slowly and get worse over time:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity such as climbing stairs
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired, even after minimal exertion
• Chest pressure or chest pain, which may signify added strain on the heart
• Palpitations, or a racing heartbeat, indicating fast heart rhythms
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting (syncope)—a sign the heart may not be able to maintain adequate blood flow
• Swelling (edema) in the ankles, legs or abdomen, reflecting fluid buildup
• Bluish lips or skin (cyanosis), especially in advanced stages, as the body struggles to receive enough oxygen

How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you have PH based on initial tests like an X-ray or echocardiogram, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis. We might recommend further tests, such as a cardiac catheterization, to rule out other heart problems and help us create the best treatment plan for you.

We also use advanced noninvasive lung scans called pulmonary angiograms, powered by the latest CT technology. In fact, UChicago Medicine was the first hospital in Illinois to use a 256-slice CT scanner, which provides incredibly fast and clear images of your heart and lungs.

Other tests we might use to help understand your condition include:

• Blood tests: These help us monitor the disease and how well treatments are working.
• Exercise tests: To see how well your body handles physical activity.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This can help us check for any unusual heart conditions.
• Perfusion lung scans: These look for blood clots in your lungs that might be contributing to PH.
• Pulmonary function tests: These measure how much air your lungs can hold and how well you breathe.
• Right heart catheterization: using a small tube inserted through a vein, the tube is guided to different chambers of the heart to measure pressures in the heart and the pulmonary artery.

How is pulmonary hypertension treated?

Without treatment, people with PH are at risk for serious health problems. These include:

• Heart failure
• Blood clots
• Fluid build-up in the lungs and legs

Treatment options include a mix of oral, inhaled, and intravenous medicines that help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include:

• Diuretics to reduce excess fluid in the body, easing pressure on the heart.
• Anticoagulants to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Medications that prevent blood vessels from narrowing and improve blood flow.
• Treatments that help the lungs produce natural chemicals to relax blood vessels.
• Inhaled medicines to ease shortness of breath.
• Intravenous medicines that open blood vessels and alleviate symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness. Some can also be delivered continuously under the skin through a small pump.
• Injectable treatments that reduce swelling and vessel narrowing by restoring normal protein signaling in the lungs.

These therapies work together to address specific symptoms and improve overall heart and lung function. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment options for your needs.

Our patients also can access the most promising therapies through clinical trials. People with PH travel from around the world to UChicago Medicine for treatment or a second opinion.

Why Choose UChicago Medicine for Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment

The University of Chicago Medicine is home to the largest — and one of the most respected — heart failure programs in Illinois. It is also a major comprehensive program for patients with PH. The Pulmonary Hypertension Program at the University of Chicago has been recognized as an accredited Center of Comprehensive Care as designated by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association in 2025.

UChicago Medicine has a team of doctors and nurses who work closely together to diagnose and treat PH. This team includes world-class heart and lung specialists, as well as specially trained nurses who provide helpful assistance and support to families.

Our staff members are leading authorities in all types of PH. This includes:

• Idiopathic and familial pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare condition that may be caused by a genetic defect.
• Associated pulmonary arterial hypertension which includes cases linked to connective tissue diseases (lupus and scleroderma), congenital heart disease, diet pills, HIV and liver disease.
• Pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic blood clots known as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
• Other pulmonary hypertension categories, which include cases related to heart disease, intrinsic lung disease and sleep disorders.
• Pulmonary hypertension in children which can sometimes happen along with birth defects.