10 Concerning Signs of Pulmonary Hypertension

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, there are 10 main signs of pulmonary hypertension. While the individual symptoms on their own do not not mean you have PH, if you experience any combination of the following symptoms you should see your doctor.

MORE: Can pulmonary hypertension be prevented?

Initial Symptoms

Some of early signs and symptoms of PH include:

1. Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is feeling somewhat winded while doing slightly physically challenging activities such as climbing stairs or walking uphill.

2. Fatigue: Fatigue, or extreme tiredness due to overexertion or illness, may occur in PH due to poorly oxygenated blood.

3. Pains in the chest area: Feeling like your chest is being stepped on or feeling a tightness around that area may be a indication of pulmonary hypertension.

MORE: The difficulties of diagnosing pulmonary arterial hypertension

4. A rapid heartbeat: Rapid heart beat or skipped beats (palpitations or arrhythmias) can be indicators of PH.

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5. Experiencing pain in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen.

6. Loss of appetite.

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Secondary Symptoms 

As PH progresses, other symptoms become noticeable. They include:

7. Fainting: Faintness or dizziness can also be known as syncope.

8. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded: This may happen particularly when exercising or undergoing any physical exertion.

9. Sudden swelling in the legs and/or ankles (edema).

10. Lips and/or skin taking on a blueish tinge: Your lips or skin may turn blue, which is referred to as cyanosis (lack of oxygen in the blood).

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