Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs becomes abnormally high.
Unlike regular high blood pressure, it specifically affects the blood vessels in the lungs. Over time, this increased pressure can make the heart work harder and may affect heart function if left untreated.
The right side of the heart is responsible for pumping blood into the lungs. When pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases:
This is why pulmonary hypertension is often managed by both heart and lung specialists, depending on the underlying cause.
Symptoms often develop gradually and may initially be mistaken for ageing, lack of fitness, or other medical conditions.
Common pulmonary hypertension symptoms include:
Symptoms may worsen as the condition progresses, making early evaluation important.
Pulmonary hypertension can develop for many different reasons. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of treatment planning.
Certain heart conditions can increase pressure within the pulmonary circulation, including:
Chronic lung problems can affect oxygen levels and place additional strain on the pulmonary arteries, such as chronic lung disease and sleep apnea.
Problems affecting the blood vessels of the lungs may contribute to pulmonary hypertension. These include chronic blood clots in the lungs
Diagnosing pulmonary hypertension involves assessing both the heart and lungs to determine the severity of the condition and identify potential causes.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to evaluate heart structure and function.
It can help:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity and may detect signs of strain on the heart.
Advanced imaging may be used to assess:
These tests assess lung function and help determine whether lung disease is contributing to the condition.
Blood tests may help identify:
Right heart catheterisation is considered the gold standard for confirming pulmonary hypertension. The procedure directly measures pressures within the heart and pulmonary arteries to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and how the condition is affecting the heart and lungs.
Addressing the condition responsible for pulmonary hypertension is often an important part of treatment.
This may include managing:
Treating these conditions may help improve symptoms and slow disease progression.
If pulmonary hypertension is caused by a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), some patients may be suitable for a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure to remove the clot.
This procedure involves guiding a thin catheter into the lung arteries to remove the blood clot, helping to restore blood flow and reduce pressure on the heart. Your cardiologist will determine whether this treatment is appropriate based on the size of the clot, your symptoms, and your overall condition.
Medications may be prescribed to:
The type of medication depends on the cause and severity of pulmonary hypertension.
Patients with low oxygen levels may benefit from supplemental oxygen therapy. This can help reduce symptoms and support overall heart and lung function.
You should consider seeing a cardiologist if you have:
Cardiologists play an important role because pulmonary hypertension often affects both the heart and lungs. Evaluating heart function is essential for determining severity, identifying underlying causes, and guiding treatment decisions.
Patients often value Dr Pinakin’s approach because it focuses on:
Identifying whether pulmonary hypertension is related to heart disease, valve disease, lung conditions, sleep apnea, or other contributing factors.
Evaluating how increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries is affecting heart structure and function.
Focusing on symptom control, ongoing monitoring, and preserving heart function over time.
No. Regular high blood pressure affects arteries throughout the body, while pulmonary hypertension affects the arteries that carry blood between the heart and lungs.
Pulmonary hypertension can be serious if left untreated because it may place increasing strain on the heart. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve outcomes.
Some forms of pulmonary hypertension may improve when the underlying cause is treated. Others require long-term management and monitoring.
Patients with pulmonary hypertension are often managed by cardiologists, respiratory physicians, or specialised pulmonary hypertension teams. A cardiologist plays an important role in assessing how the condition affects the heart.
Yes. Increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries can strain the right side of the heart and eventually contribute to heart failure if not properly managed.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
