What is Pulmonary Hypertension and How to Treat It in Haldwani

Pulmonary hypertension is one of those conditions that often hides behind symptoms we tend to brush off – feeling breathless more than usual, getting tired too fast, or thinking, “maybe it’s just age or weakness.” But sometimes, these little signs are your body’s early warnings of What is Pulmonary Hypertension.

And in Haldwani, where we see both rising pollution and post-COVID lung complications, it’s become more important than ever to talk about what this condition really is – and how you can catch it early.

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) means high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your lungs. Now, this isn’t your regular high BP that shows up on a cuff at the chemist. This pressure is deep inside your chest – in the vessels that help oxygenate your blood.

When this pressure builds up, your heart (specifically the right side) has to work harder to push blood through narrowed lung arteries. Over time, the heart can enlarge, weaken, and lead to complications like right-sided heart failure.

The trouble is, PH develops slowly. Patients don’t usually come in saying, “I think I have pulmonary hypertension.” Instead, they come in because they’re short of breath, their ankles are swelling, or climbing stairs suddenly feels harder than it used to.

What Causes It?

After knowing What is Pulmonary Hypertension, there isn’t one single cause. PH can develop on its own, or it can be a result of another condition. At Sai Hospital, we’ve seen different types –

• Heart-related causes – People with long-standing left-sided heart issues, like mitral valve disease or heart failure, often develop PH over time.
• Lung-related causes – Conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or interstitial lung disease (which became more common after COVID) can strain the lungs and raise this pressure.
• Chronic blood clots – If a person has had a pulmonary embolism or repeated small clots, this can block arteries in the lungs.
• Autoimmune diseases – Lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis sometimes come with lung involvement, leading to PH.
• Unknown causes – In some cases, especially among younger people, no direct cause is found. We call this idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

We’ve also seen it emerge after COVID pneumonia in some patients, especially when there was long-term oxygen use or lung scarring.

Who’s More at Risk?

While PH can affect anyone, some people may have a higher chance of developing it –

• Adults over 40, particularly women
• People with long-standing lung conditions like asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea
• Patients with heart valve disease or heart failure
• Those with autoimmune conditions
• People who’ve had a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism
• Individuals living at high altitudes for prolonged periods

In Haldwani, with its mix of urban dust exposure, construction workers, and post-viral respiratory issues, we’re seeing an uptick, especially in patients above 50.

What Are the Symptoms?

One of the most challenging parts of PH is that it mimics other conditions. At first, you might not even notice. But gradually, symptoms build. Some patients tell us, “I just feel tired all the time,” or “I get out of breath when walking to the shop – that never happened before.”

Here are common symptoms –

• Shortness of breath – Initially on exertion, later even at rest
• Fatigue – Not the kind that goes away with a nap
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or belly – Due to fluid build-up
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Blue lips or fingertips – From low oxygen levels
• Racing heartbeat or palpitations

In later stages, people may need to rest often, avoid stairs altogether, or even sleep in a propped-up position to breathe comfortably.

How is PH Diagnosed?

Because symptoms develop gradually and overlap with other problems, diagnosis often takes time. But once suspected, we follow a detailed step-by-step approach.

At Sai Hospital, this usually includes –

• Clinical evaluation – We listen for abnormal heart sounds, look for signs of swelling, and ask about activity tolerance.
• 2D Echocardiography – A non-invasive ultrasound of the heart that often gives the first clue.
• Chest X-ray or HRCT scan – Helps us assess lung structure, especially post-COVID fibrosis or scarring.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) – To see if underlying lung issues are present.
• ECG – May show heart strain or enlargement.
• Blood tests – Including autoimmune screening if we suspect diseases like lupus or RA.
• Right heart catheterization – In selected cases, this confirms the diagnosis by directly measuring lung artery pressures.

Many patients are surprised to learn how much information a simple 2D Echo can reveal – it’s often our first window into this condition.

Types of Pulmonary Hypertension

PH isn’t one disease – it’s a group of conditions. Doctors classify it into five main types based on cause –

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) – Can be idiopathic or linked to autoimmune diseases.
• PH due to left heart – The most common form.
• PH due to lung diseases or low oxygen – Seen in COPD, ILD, and sleep apnea.
• Chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) – Caused by old, unresolved blood clots.
• PH due to unclear or mixed reasons – A bit of everything, sometimes overlapping.

Knowing which group a patient falls into is important because the treatment varies.

How Do We Treat Pulmonary Hypertension?

There isn’t a single pill that cures PH. But there are multiple ways to manage it, slow its progress, and improve quality of life.

Medications

We choose medicines depending on the cause and severity.

• Pulmonary vasodilators like sildenafil or bosentan help relax the lung arteries.
• Diuretics reduce swelling by flushing out extra fluid.
• Anticoagulants are used in patients with CTEPH or clotting risks.
• Oxygen therapy helps when oxygen levels drop, especially during sleep or activity.
• Heart medications may be added if there’s associated heart strain.

Each patient’s prescription is tailored. We start low, monitor progress, and adjust as needed.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This is a structured program that involves –

• Breathing exercises
• Light supervised physical activity
• Education on pacing and energy conservation

Many of our patients in Haldwani say that rehab made them feel more in control, especially when combined with family support.

Surgical and Advanced Options

In select cases –

• Balloon pulmonary angioplasty can be considered for CTEPH.
• Lung transplant is a last resort, reserved for younger patients with advanced disease who don’t respond to medication.

We don’t rush to this stage – it’s considered after thorough evaluation and only when absolutely necessary.

Lifestyle and Ongoing Support

• Staying active, but within limits
• Avoiding high altitudes
• Reducing salt and fluid intake
• Keeping up with flu and pneumonia vaccinations
• Treating associated conditions like GERD or sleep apnea
• Psychological support – because living with a chronic illness can be mentally taxing

Pulmonary Hypertension Care at Sai Hospital, Haldwani

In our Sai Hospital, PH is dealt with in a multi-disciplinary approach. Pulmonologists, cardiologists, and rehab specialists, as well as trained nurses, are part of our team and know how to approach the management of a chronic condition not only professionally but also emotionally.

Our service –

• High-resolution imaging and cardiac testing that is done early and accurately
• Tailor-made medication regimes and management care
• Pulmonary rehab that emphasizes the energy levels of the patient
• Planning of oxygen therapy and arrangement at home
• Frank discussions regarding prognosis, change in lifestyle, and expectations

Conclusion

What is Pulmonary Hypertension? The problem with pulmonary hypertension is that it is not always loud. It slips in without your knowledge, but the thing is that with enough awareness and cautiousness, it does not have to control your life. This is because if you or someone in your family has been feeling tired, out of breath, or not feeling well due to no apparent reason, then don’t delay too long. We extend a listening ear to you at the Sai hospital in Haldwani, and we are here to investigate correctly and to walk with you one breath at a time. Visit today!