Pulmonary Hypertension Center -- 718.780.5835

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is high blood pressure in the arteries that supply blood to the lungs. The blood vessels that supply the lungs constrict and their walls thicken, so they can't carry as much blood. Similar to a kinked garden hose, pressure builds up and backs up. The heart works harder, trying to force the blood through. If the pressure is high enough, eventually the heart can't keep up, and less blood can circulate through the lungs to pick up oxygen.

When the blood can't pick up enough oxygen, a person becomes tired, dizzy and short of breath. Diseases such as congential heart disease may cause hypertension.
It's important to repair congenital heart problems (when possible) before permanent pulmonary hypertensive changes develop. Often treating the initial disease (i.e. heart condition) will reverse PHT.

Treatment for PHT
New York Methodist is the only center in Brooklyn with an integrated approach to diagnosing and managing PHT. We provide:

• A dedicated PHT outpatient clinic, held on Wednesday afternoons, to meet with patients and discuss follow up care
• A dedicated PHT nurse to work exclusively with patients to check medical history and conduct an initial check-up, which may include blood tests, pulmonary physiological tests and chest imaging
• For the appropriately selected patients, a right heart catheterization to identify heart disease
• A plan of action, as agreed upon by the patient and their referring physician. A comprehensive report is generated to communicate closely with the referring physician.

For more information and to set up appointments, please contact 718-780-5835.