What are the Symptoms of PPH?
PPH can develop slowly. In fact, symptoms can be very minor for years. Symptoms may include: • fatigue • racing heartbeat • chest pain Symptoms become more severe and limiting as the disease worsens. Those symptoms may include: • feeling lightheaded or short of breath after routine activity like climbing two flights of stairs • fainting • swelling in your legs and ankles • bluish lips and skin How is PPH Diagnosed? It is difficult for doctors to detect PPH in a routine medical examination. Even when the disease has progressed, the signs and symptoms may very similar to other conditions that affect the heart and the lungs. To determine if you have pulmonary hypertension, your doctor may recommend one or several tests that help rule out other disorders that could be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will diagnose PPH based on: • your medical and family history • a physical exam • results from tests and procedures — the tests and procedures also will help your doctor determine the cause
