What is the treatment for pulmonary hypertension?
The treatment for pulmonary hypertension depends on the underlying cause. If left sided heart failure is the primary problem, then adequate treatment of the left heart failure by a cardiologist is the main stray of treatment. In cases where hypoxia (low oxygen levels) due to any chronic lung disease, such as COPD, is the cause, then providing oxygen and appropriately treating the underlying lung disease by a lung doctor (pulmonologist) is the first step in treatment. In conditions, such as scleroderma, which often can cause pulmonary hypertension, a rheumatologist is involved in the treatment program. Anticoagulation (thinning the blood) may be a treatment option if the main underlying cause is thought to be recurrent blood clot (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension). As indicated in previous section, referral to a specialty center may be warranted for a possible surgical removal of blood clot (thromboendarterectomy). For patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (those wit
