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Pulmonary Hypertension: Care Instructions

Overview

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. These blood vessels carry blood from the heart to the lungs, where the blood picks up oxygen. The walls of the arteries may get thick, and the arteries may get narrow. When this happens, blood does not flow as well as it should. Pressure builds up in the arteries. Then your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your lungs.

There are different types of pulmonary hypertension. They are caused by different things. Causes include other health conditions such as heart or lung problems. Sometimes it can happen without a known cause.

When you have this condition, your body gets less oxygen from your blood. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath and feeling tired, faint, or dizzy. Over time, these symptoms may change or get worse if your heart gets weaker. You may get heart failure. Heart failure means your heart doesn't pump as much blood as your body needs.

Treatment can help you feel better and live longer. Your treatment options will depend on the type of pulmonary hypertension you have.

It can be hard to learn that you have a problem with your lungs and heart. But there are things you can do to feel better and stay as active as you can.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Medicine

Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
Your doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy. You will get more details on how to use it.
Talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter medicines or natural health products. Don't take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) without talking to your doctor first.
If you take a blood thinner, be sure to get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.

Activity

Be as active as you can. Talk to your doctor about making a plan before you start a new activity.
Ask your doctor if a pulmonary rehabilitation program is right for you.
Learn how to save your energy. Making small changes in daily activities can make a big impact on how you feel.

Staying healthy

Eat healthy foods, and try to stay at a healthy weight.
Do not smoke. Smoking can make this condition worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
Manage other health problems such as sleep apnea.
Talk to your doctor about preventing pregnancy. You may need to take steps to avoid becoming pregnant. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause changes in the body that could be life-threatening for people who have this condition.
Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and influenza (flu). Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine shot. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
Talk with your doctor before travelling. Your doctor may suggest that you use oxygen if you fly or visit a place that is at high altitude. Follow the instructions on how to use oxygen safely.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

You have symptoms of sudden heart failure. These may include:
- Severe trouble breathing.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Coughing up pink, foamy mucus.
- Passing out.

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

You have new or changed symptoms of heart failure, such as:
- New or increased shortness of breath.
- New or worse swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
- Sudden weight gain, such as more than 1 to 1.3 kilograms (2 to 3 pounds) in a day or 2.3 kilograms (5 pounds) in a week. (Your doctor may suggest a different range of weight gain.)
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed or like you may faint.
- Feeling so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
- Not sleeping well. Shortness of breath wakes you at night. You need extra pillows to prop yourself up to breathe easier.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:

You have new or worse symptoms.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter E465 in the search box to learn more about "Pulmonary Hypertension: Care Instructions".

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.