Pulmonary Hypertension

[MDS]

I just got back from my cardio checkup. They did a cardiac stress echo test. I was able to take the stress treadmill to a high level, but my RV pressure went from 30 up to 60.

So I have excersize induced pulmonary hypertension. On one hand, the cardiologist said that the I am in better shape than most people, on the other hand I still have this hypertension caused by a narrow pulmonic artery that came about when I had my failed Ross Procedure (I have since received bioprosthetic valves in 2001).

They gave me a prescription for Revatro 20mg. I have a follow up in 2 months.

Anyone ever have this problem due to a narrow pulmonic artery?
What can be done?
I am just wondering... What next?

Mike

 

[Nancy]

I think you mean Revatio which is sildenafil. Here is a link.

http://revatio.com/aboutRevatio.aspx?source=google&HBX_PK=s_revatio&HBX_OU=50&o=23121502|166374792|0

My husband had Pulmonary Hypertension, it sounds as if yours has come from your surgery.

Revatio can help.

Here is a link to the PHA website.

http://www.phassociation.org/

They do have a forum there like this one. It is very helpful.

 

[Susan BAV]

Nancy - You are a wonder !

Mike - I hope the med helps your PH. Take care and post again.

 

[MDS]

Thank You. Yes, it was Revatio. (Isn't that Viagra? )
It was scary to read the following from that website: ulmonary hypertension has been historically chronic and incurable with a poor survival rate. However, new treatments are available which have significantly improved prognosis. Recent data indicate that the length of survival is continuing to improve, with some patients able to manage the disorder for 15 to 20 years or longer."

But that seems to be related to emphysema and such. Being that it is caused by the narrowing of my pulmonic artery, isn't there a shunt or graft that could be implanted if it got bad enough?

Mike

 

[Nancy]

Many cases of PH are caused by a growth of abnormal cells within the artery which cause the artery to constrict too much. The Revatio (yes, it is related to Viagra, but a different dosage, from what people say--maybe you will get MANY benefits from this ) acts to open up the constricted arteries. Other drugs like Tracleer act on the abnormal cells and work on replacing them with the cells which should be there. Joe was on Tracleer for several years until his liver acted up. Tracleer causes liver damage in some cases and has to be monitored. He was also on Imdur (isosorbide, a vasodilator) too. I don't think Revatio has the same problem. But Tracleer did change Joe's severe PH to mild to moderate over several years, so I know that it works.

PH used to be considered an end stage disease. That is no longer the case, and with careful monitoring of your condition, you should respond.

Without treatment, the disease is devastating in the severe from.

PH can cause problems with fluid retention. And it can be very difficult to control. Watch your sodium intake like a hawk and keep it as low as possible.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi MDS.....I just wanted to lend my support...

Hi MDS.....I just wanted to lend my support...

I too have Pulmonary Hypertension and even though I don't have it too badly as of yet, I just wanted to let you know that I hope your's gets treated and you feel better soon.

I go to see a PH Specialist who, I believe, will also be my Cardiologist as well.

Anyway, I just wanted to lend my support and prayers that you get to feeling better soon. Harrybaby

 

[njean]

PH used to be considered an end stage disease. That is no longer the case, and with careful monitoring of your condition, you should respond.

Without treatment, the disease is devastating in the severe from.

PH can cause problems with fluid retention. And it can be very difficult to control. Watch your sodium intake like a hawk and keep it as low as possible.

Mike,
I too had severe pulmonary hypertension (88mm) in June of this year -- last week I had another ECHO done & it had come down to 42. It all came about after my last OHS in March/2006 for an Aortic Re-replacement. I went back to work after about 3 months, but was under quite a bit of stress at work which I'm sure contributed a great deal! And I also was not watching my diet (low sodium) or taking my meds as I was told to. After adjusting my Lasix (water retention meds), keeping a very low-sodium diet, avoiding stress as much as possible & taking my other meds strictly as told, I have not experienced the CHF, fatigue or SOB that I was having.

So as Nancy said above, pulmonary hypertension can be managed if proper care is taken. Good luck & take care.