What diagnostic test(s) are usually done to test for Pulmonary Hypertension?

[reb_1951]

Hi there. I've recently been referred to see a Pulmonary Hypertension Consultant (by my Cardiologist, due to signs in the Echo it could be intermediate probability of PH).

The appointment with the Pulmonary Hypertension isn't until September (due to NHS waiting times). My question for the group is, what diagnostic test(s) are normally done to conclusively diagnose Pulmonary-Hypertension (e.g. a chest X-ray, or a specific blood-test?), and are these test(s) ones I could speak to my GP about arranging locally whilst I wait to see the PH-Consultant in September?

[Katinka46]

The first test would be echocardiogram. I think you’ve had one of those? Which is presumably why you have been referred to the PVD Unit. These are tertiary centres and there are six in the UK. The gold standard test will be a right heart catheterisation. Scary but entirely pain free. Catheter is passed into the right heart where they can measure the pressures in that chamber and also the pressures in the pulmonary artery which carries the blood from there down into the lungs so that it can be re-oxygenated. They may also do MRI, CTPA scan, or a V/Q scan. Good luck!

[reb_1951 in reply to Katinka46]

Thank you! Yes I've had an Echo done (and that's the basis upon which I've been referred to the Pulmonary-Hypertension Consultant), and also have had the MRI. But not had the right-heart catheterisation, so will be worth me asking the Pulmonary-Hypertension Consultant when I get to see him/her if they're planning to do this test (and if not, what their reasoning is).

The main problem I've been getting (which is what I saw the Cardiologist about in the first place) is Resistant Hypertension, which I can't ignore as it's been giving me symptoms, and my family has a history of heart-problems, so it feels risky to just let the BP keep being high. The place I've been referred for the Pulmonary Hypertension Consultant is at NHS Royal Brompton, so guessing this is one of the 6 UK centres you refer to?