The question of whether anticoagulation (thinning of blood with medications) should be used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension dates back more than 35 years. Very early observations of small blood clots in the lungs of PAH patients propelled interest in using warfarin (our oldest blood thinner). In the 1980’s and 1990’s several small studies were completed that … [Read more...]
The Pulmonary Hypertension Team
I would like to acknowledge the role of our PH nurse coordinators and support staff. The care of pulmonary hypertension patients is a challenge. A typical new patient that I see has already been to a cardiologist and at least one other pulmonologist in addition to their primary care doctor. They have had dozens of tests and perhaps been hospitalized a few times. Intake … [Read more...]
Sarcoidosis and Pulmonary Hypertension
What is Sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is an uncommon and poorly understood multisystem disease that commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes. However, it may affect any organ of the body. Despite decades of research, the exact cause remains unknown. The most common manifestation of the disease is enlarged lymph nodes in the chest and nodules and scarring in the lungs. The … [Read more...]
It’s November Again, Which Means Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month
Since November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness month, we like to reflect on the progress made on this site and in the PAH community in general. 2014 has been an important and busy year for pulmonary hypertension. First, we would like to thank our readers for making this website a tremendous success. Each month, thousands of people visit this site to learn about pulmonary … [Read more...]
What Does the Pulmonary Artery Pressure Really Tell Us?
I received a great question from a reader this week. The reader asked why some patients are quite disabled from Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension when they have only moderately elevated pulmonary artery pressures and other patients can have very high pulmonary artery pressures and yet remain very functional, even working full time. This question gets at a key concept of PAH. … [Read more...]
