Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary arteries). These arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen before being pumped to the rest of your body. Over time, pulmonary arteries can become narrow, which increases the pressure within the arteries and decreases blood flow from the heart to the lungs. The increased pressure can cause further injury to the arteries. This makes the heart pump harder and causes the walls on the right side of the heart to thicken and weaken.
Symptoms of PAH
Many of the symptoms of PAH, such as shortness of breath and feeling tired or weak, are caused by arterial narrowing and increased stress on your heart. Symptoms become more severe over time as PAH worsens. Normal activities, such as walking to the grocery store or climbing a flight of stairs, can become very difficult.
We are Here to Help
PAH is a serious, chronic illness that may require long-term treatment. The Pulmonary Hypertension program at Mount Sinai Heart Institute provides a wide range of diagnosis and treatment options to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Using the most advanced therapies, we provide individualized care tailored to meet each patient's needs. Our affiliation with New York's Columbia University assures that you will have access to the most innovative care available.
Diagnostic Services
We provide a comprehensive evaluation to establish an accurate diagnosis. Services include:
- Right and left cardiac catheterization
- Cardiac CT and MRI
- High resolution CT
- Echocardiogram
- Pulmonary function test
- Pulmonary function stress test
- Ventilation perfusion test
- Six-minute walk test
- HAST (high altitude simulation test) to evaluate whether you are able to fly or go to areas of high altitude
Drug Therapies
Mount Sinai's Pulmonary Hypertension Program has a dedicated team of specialists who work directly with drug companies and suppliers to help our patients receive the most effective medication and therapy available.
Collaboration with your Primary Care Physician
Treating PAH is a team effort, and it requires that we work closely with your primary care physician. Our director, a leader in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with PAH, personally speaks to your referring physician to provide a routine update on your care.
Research and Clinical Trials
Through our participation in a variety of clinical trials, patients have access to new drugs and therapies for treating PAH that are not yet available to the general public.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Our program assembles a team of specialists, including a cardiologist, pulmonologist, rheumatologist, nurse practitioner and a nurse who specializes in PAH medications, to develop a treatment plan that focuses on improving each patient's quality of life. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call the Pulmonary Hypertension program at 305-674-2690.
The Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center
4300 Alton Road, Suite 2070
Miami Beach, FL
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