Our Services / Pulmonary HTN

Pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary HTN, also called PH,  is often misunderstood and is a complex condition requiring specialized care for proper management and treatment. Joy Burbeck and the team of highly respected and skilled experts at Midsouth Independent Group (MIG) in Memphis, Tennessee, provide detailed guidance and treatment for all causes of PH, so you can get relief from your symptoms and receive dedicated pulmonary HTN care. Call the multi-specialty group to make an appointment, or use the online portal to schedule your visit today.

What is pulmonary HTN?

Pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary HTN is high blood pressure in your heart-to-lung system. With PH, your lungs' blood vessels become damaged, narrow, or stiff, and your heart must work harder to pump blood through your lungs.

Common signs of pulmonary HTN include:

• Visible or enlarged veins on the side of the neck
• Swelling in the abdomen, legs, or feet
• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations

There are five categories of pulmonary HTN, all of which have different causes and treatment approaches. Your MIG provider has vast expertise in the proper care and management of pulmonary hypertension.

What causes pulmonary hypertension?

PH has many causes which determine the type of PH you have. Common causes include:

• Inherited (genetic)
• Drug or toxin exposure
• Connective tissue disease
• Mitral valve disease
• Liver disease
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• COPD
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clots)

Your heart-to-lung system is an essential part of your body that requires specialized treatment if it’s affected by other conditions.

How is pulmonary HTN diagnosed?

If you have a lung condition or show signs of pulmonary HTN, your Midsouth Independent Group (MIG) provider begins your visit with a thorough medical history and physical examination. They ask about symptoms you’re experiencing and medical conditions you have.

During your exam, your provider listens to your lungs and heart to check for abnormal sounds. Additional testing for pulmonary HTN includes pulmonary function tests and sleep studies — which can be done in the office.

With these tests, your doctor studies the function of your lungs and heart to determine the cause of your symptoms and rule out any other possible causes like COPD or sleep apnea. 

Additional testing might be required to visualize the blood vessels in your lungs so that your provider can determine the severity of pulmonary hypertension (PH).

How is pulmonary HTN treated?

Pulmonary HTN treatment will depend on the type of PH you have. In many cases, lifestyle changes like eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can reduce symptoms.

Other strategies for pulmonary HTN management involve treating the underlying conditions that caused or worsened your PH. This can include medications for high blood pressure, blood clots, or infections.

Pulmonary HTN can be a scary and confusing diagnosis, but support and treatment can help. Call Midsouth Independent Group (MIG), or schedule a visit online to get started.