Normal heart and lungs
"The pulmonary arteries are of normal caliber
Pulmonary hypertension
The pulmonary arteries are narrowed
What is pulmonary hypertension?
The heart is a complex organ composed of several chambers and blood vessels. It works closely with several organs, including the lungs. The right heart pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary hypertension develops when there is an increase in pressure in the pulmonary vessels. This increase in pressure directly affects the right heart, as it has to work harder to eject the blood. The right heart then becomes larger, its cardiac muscle thicker and less functional. As the disease progresses and the heart becomes increasingly overloaded, shortness of breath becomes significant, and lower limb edema appears.
Pulmonary hypertension is secondary when it is caused by an underlying disease: a heart disease, lung parenchyma, or pulmonary vessels. When no cause can be established, it is referred to as primary pulmonary hypertension.
How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?
The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is suspected by cardiac ultrasound. To confirm the diagnosis, you will be offered a catheterization of the right heart chambers (more commonly called right catheterization or right KT) .
Attached is the link for the Adult Right Catheterization .
Attached is the link for the Pediatric Right Catheterization .
Is it necessary to do the right heart catheterization ?
It is important to do this for several reasons:
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Confirm or rule out the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
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Determining the origin of pulmonary hypertension and paving the way for specific treatments
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Establish the surgical indication in cases of pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease.
Pulmonary hypertension
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