Can a person have PAH when RVSP is 30.2 mmHg?

Question

Hello doctor,

Recently, I took an echocardiogram for some chest discomfort. My results stated that my RVSP (right ventricular systolic blood pressure) has increased by 30 to 39 mmHg. However, my report concluded that my RVSP (TR) (tricuspid regurgitation) is 30.2 mmHg.

I was referred to a cardiologist to see whether I have pulmonary hypertension. The other findings shown on my echocardiogram are mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation and mildly thickened mitral valve leaflets. I have read different things online.

Do I have pulmonary hypertension?
What are the parentheses after 30.2 mmHg?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) is raised. This suggests pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as the right ventricle pumps blood into the lungs through the pulmonary artery.

So, any pathology inside the lungs that leads to increased PAH produces resistance to blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, which causes back pressure and increases workload over the right ventricle, resulting in RVSP.

RSVP is not such a pathology but secondary to PAH and is reversible. So, you should pay more attention to the underlying cause of increased pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) due to some lung pathology. Mild TR (tricuspid regurgitation) and MR (mitral regurgitation) are not big problems. However, mild thickening of the mitral valve leaflet can later produce complications if the cause is not diagnosed and treated.

I want to ask a few questions.

Do you suffer from shortness of breath or any chronic lung problems?
Do you have a history of any lung disease for which you have taken treatment for an extended period?
Do you have a history of any fever or joint pain in the past?

You are advised to do the following tests.

X-ray chest PA (posteroanterior) view.
RA (rheumatoid) factor.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.