At PulmonaryHypertensionRN.com, our mission is to provide accurate and easy to use information about pulmonary hypertension. We recently received a question from a reader that made me reflect on how scary getting a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension can be for patients and their families. The reader asked what they should do after they were told that their echo-estimated … [Read more...]
Pulmonary Embolism and Pulmonary Hypertension
A recent reader of PulmonaryHypertensionRN.com wrote in with an excellent question that I suspect is on many patients minds. Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lung) is a very common medical problem. Occasionally this can lead to pulmonary hypertension in a few percent of patients. The larger the blood clot the greater the likelihood that if you had an echocardiogram … [Read more...]
3 Benefits of Pulmonary Hypertension Support Groups
A pulmonary hypertension support group is a group of patients with PAH coming together to learn about and support patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The idea of attending a support group can seem scary and intimidating, Potential participants worry about what types of people will attend and if they will be required to speak during the meeting. Patients that can … [Read more...]
5 Benefits of Swimming
Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension often have a difficult time finding an exercise routine that works for them. With restrictions to how much weight they can lift, body position (recommended to avoid bending with head below waist), and avoiding unnecessary sun exposure; exercise options seem very limited. Many patients also rely on awkward and sometimes heavy oxygen … [Read more...]
Buyer Beware: Stem Cells In PAH
Have you seen the new ads promising to cure your ________ (you fill in the blank with whatever disease you have) with stem cell therapy? Did you read the small print? Lately my patients have been increasingly asking me about stem cell therapy for PAH. Patients are bringing in pretty advertisements from companies that are making grand promises. Too good to be true? … [Read more...]
