HomeAnswersCardiologyechocardiogramRoutine echo shows moderate pulmonary hypertension. What does it mean?

Routine echo shows moderate pulmonary hypertension. What does it mean?

Share
Routine echo shows moderate pulmonary hypertension. What does it mean?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At May 29, 2018
Reviewed AtJune 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a routine echo done a couple of weeks ago and just got the results yesterday. The sheet says moderate pulmonary hypertension with peak pressure 54 mmHg and central venous pressure of 15.0. Since I only picked up the results no one explained it to me but set up an appointment with lung and heart specialist in six months. What does all this mean? I am a hypertensive and pre-diabetic. Currently, I am on Lisinopril 10 mg.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

This means pressure in the pulmonary circulation has increased likely due to lung problem (if echo is not showing any abnormalities other than this). Likely this is related to obesity although we need to rule out other causes of pulmonary hypertension by doing CT (computed tomography) scan and other few investigations. Do you have shortness of breath, any other symptoms to suggest some cause? You should focus on healthy lifestyle and weight loss.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Everything else came up good. Those were the only two items which were marked. I do not have any shortness of breath, in fact, I have already lost more than 20 pounds in last four months and have increased my workouts because I have been able to tolerate it much better. I have been able to increase cardio and starting weights and overall feel much better lately which is why this surprised me.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It does not appear to be a worrisome matter. So likely cause in you is obesity-related only. I guess you do not have night symptoms like snoring, interrupted sleep, frequent awakenings, daytime sleepiness, etc. So this rules out obstructive sleep apnea. Another important thing, we need to rule is DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which I guess is also not there. Symptoms include pain and edema of legs, history of some trauma and bedridden state for some time or any major medical and other surgical illness in the past requiring hospitalization and bedridden state for few days. And physician must have auscultated you to rule out crepitations and interstitial lung disease. I assume you do not smoke and if yes then please quit. Also, see if there are any work-related exposure to fine particles, etc. So these rules out common causes. And that is great, you are losing weight and continue to do so. Pressures will take few months to decrease after you have lost weight if it is only related to obesity. So I think, the best course of action for you is repeating echo after six months as your appointment is at that time, and if pressures are still high then HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography) chest, pulmonary function test, and VQ (ventilation-perfusion) scan.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

That makes me feel better. I will see the lung and heart specialist in six months. I know reading so much online scared me so much and has me worried for days. I know it still could be a possibility but I feel a little better with your answer.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome and all the best.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Cardiology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Cardiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy