The Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center

Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a condition characterized by high blood pressure occurring within the arteries that connect the heart to the lungs. This serious condition makes is more difficult for the heart to pump blood through the lungs, with symptoms that include progressive shortness of breath, palpitations, lightheadedness and generalized weakness. It can cause normal activities such as walking or climbing stairs very difficult to perform. Connection with Rheumatologic Disease Pulmonary hypertension can occur by itself or may be related to different rheumatologic conditions, most importantly scleroderma, lupus, and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Our rheumatologists routinely partner with the team of physicians and allied health professionals of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program, including cardiologists and pulmonologists, to help detect rheumatologic disorders in patients presenting with PAH, and to help treat and monitor patients who have PAH related to a rheumatologic disorder.

Clinical Services

The Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center is a comprehensive program that provides both diagnostic and treatment services for patients with PAH. Clinical services include:

  • Initial assessment of patients with pulmonary hypertension
  • Diagnostic left and right heart catheterization
  • Advanced imaging, including cardiac CT and MRI, high resolution CT, and echocardiography
  • Pulmonary function laboratory
  • Use of oral, inhaled and systemic pulmonary vasodilator therapy when indicated
  • Ongoing treatment for pulmonary hypertension including clinical follow-up with 6 minute walk tests, repeat echocardiography and right heart catheterizations, and referral for lung transplant as needed
  • Participation in clinical trials, which may offer access to treatments not yet available to the public

To Make an Appointment

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at 305-674-2690.

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