I had an echocardiogram that showed pulmonary hypertension. What does it mean?

5

Surgical therapies

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

If present, a large clot in the pulmonary artery may be surgically removed to improve blood flow and lung function.

Lung transplantation

Currently, this is the only cure for primary pulmonary hypertension. Transplantation is reserved for advanced pulmonary hypertension that is not responsive to medical therapy. The right side of the heart will generally return to normal after the lung/lungs have been transplanted. About 1,000 lung transplants are performed annually in the United States. Many people are on the waiting list, yet a shortage of donors is the major limiting factor. Your health care provider will discuss transplantation if it is an appropriate treatment option for your condition.

Heart / lung transplantation

This type of double organ transplant is very rare but may be  necessary for patients who have combined lung and left heart failure.

Hope this helps,

Dr T