One of the most common problems I see on a daily basis is that patients struggle to limit their salt intake to the 2,000mg per day goal for Pulmonary Hypertension patients. Unlike fluid restrictions where everyone can measure precisely how much fluid they drink, keeping track of salt intake can be very difficult. Let’s start with some basic terms. Salt is the same as … [Read more...]
Combination Therapy for PAH Approved by FDA
For the first time, the FDA has approved the use of two medications as initial therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. In response to the recently published AMBITION study results, the FDA has approved the use of Letairis (ambrisentan) and Adcirca (tadalafil) to be used as initial therapy in newly diagnosed patients with PAH. Previously, many physicians would prescribe … [Read more...]
When Two Problems Exist at the Same Time
Treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension When There is Also Another Medical Problem, Such as Diastolic Heart Failure. We have received a variety of questions about how to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension when a second medical problem is present at the same time. This is a very common situation in clinical practice. I would like to focus on how to approach the … [Read more...]
Do I Need a Right Heart Catheterization?
This question comes up all the time in the evaluation and care of pulmonary hypertension patients. We have received a number of questions from readers asking about whether a heart catheterization is needed. I thought it might be useful to review some basics about right heart catheterization. Below are some commonly asked questions about the procedure. 1. Do I need to … [Read more...]
Diuretics and Pulmonary Hypertension
Diuretics are medications that increase your urine production. Most patients with PAH require diuretics at some point in their disease course. This is due to abnormal hormone signals that are produced by your heart, lungs and kidneys that lead to inappropriate fluid retention. In health, your salt and water balance in your body is carefully regulated. If you eat a salty … [Read more...]
