We receive many questions about the significance of an echocardiogram that shows mild “pulmonary hypertension”. When a cardiologist reads an echocardiogram, they often include the finding of pulmonary hypertension. The vast majority of the time this diagnosis has nothing to do with pulmonary arterial hypertension. There are several potential sources of error in using the … [Read more...]
FAQ’s: VQ Scans & PAH Curable?
Ventilation Perfusion Lung Scans Ventilation perfusion lung scans or VQ scans are an important test to evaluate for the possibility of chronic blood clots in your lungs. This test is generally not performed at local imaging centers (though in some larger towns they may be). Typically, this test is performed at regional hospitals. Over the past 20 years, this test is not … [Read more...]
How Much Should Your Medical Procedure Cost?
One of the great mysteries of medicine is how much tests, procedures and doctor’s visits cost. Unlike everything else, there is no price list or actual cost for these things. Each insurance company and plan has a different negotiated price. And the price varies depending on if the service is “in-network” or “out-of-network”. Ironically, patients who are paying with good … [Read more...]
Inhaled Nitric Oxide For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
What is Nitric Oxide? Nitric oxide is a small molecule that is made by the cells lining the pulmonary arteries (vascular endothelium). It acts on the same blood vessels to promote blood vessel relaxation (vasodilation). Since the early 1980’s we have known that patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension have reduced levels of nitric oxide. When nitric oxide is not present … [Read more...]
Sleep Apnea and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common problem. Patients with this disorder experience repeated episodes of obstructing their airway when they sleep that culminates in transiently waking up from sleep. In simple terms this means that they repeatedly choke themselves and wake up for a very short period of time. Patients don't remember waking-up, as the … [Read more...]
