Treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension

There are many different treatments available for pulmonary hypertension (PH). These treatments can improve the symptoms of PH and therefore improve quality of life. Some can slow the progression of PH and can also help reverse damage to the heart and lungs.

Treatment for PH can be split into three categories:

• Conventional therapy (often called background therapy), which can include the following:
  • Oxygen
  • Warfarin
  • Diuretics
• Targeted therapy
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Endothelin receptor antagonists
  • Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors
  • Prostaglandins
• Surgery
  • Pulmonary endarterectomy
  • Atrial septostomy
  • Transplant surgery

Many people with PH are treated with both conventional and targeted therapies, although this can be different for different people. Some people with PH may need surgery. How your PH is treated will depend on a number of things, for example how severe your PH is, what type of PH you have, etc.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA UK) has developed a 176-page booklet called ‘Understanding pulmonary hypertension – information for patients’. It provides information and advice about PH, including the diagnosis of PH and treatments of PH. To order your copy, fill in the Publication request form.