Disease Overview HHT is a rare disease that leads to abnormal blood vessel growth throughout the body. This commonly leads to frequent nose bleeds (epistaxis), gastro-intestinal bleeding and anemia. The more serious manifestations include abnormal blood vessels in the lungs, brain and liver. These abnormal blood vessels can lead to infections in the brain, bleeding in the … [Read more...]
Diastolic Heart Failure vs. PAH
The most common disease confused with pulmonary arterial hypertension is diastolic heart failure (also called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction-HeFPEF). In my practice about 70% of patients referred to me for PAH actually have diastolic heart failure. Let’s review basic heart function. The heart has two main actions—squeezing and relaxing. The squeezing phase … [Read more...]
End of Year Insurance Considerations for PAH Patients
The end of the year brings many celebrated happenings. It is a wonderful time of year to celebrate coming together with family and friends. It also brings a much less celebrated event…open enrollment. Open Enrollment We are currently in the middle of Medicare/Medicaid open enrollment which began October 15th and will end December 7th. Coverage chosen during this time will … [Read more...]
Flu Season is Here for PAH Patients
November is here and so is the respiratory virus season. For patients with PAH and IPF this means that we have to worry about avoiding friends with respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, sneezing). Protecting yourself also means getting a flu shot. This is not a low priority item on your to do list. Make it a top priority. Each year 36,000 Americans die from influenza … [Read more...]
Second Opinions in Pulmonary Hypertension Care
We receive many questions about how and when to obtain a second opinion about pulmonary hypertension. First, as a patient you should never feel insecure or like you are not being loyal or a good patient by seeking a second opinion. This is your health at stake. Second, your doctor should not make you feel badly for seeking a second opinion. Be Your Own Advocate If you were … [Read more...]
