COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Has anyone been diagnosed with this. I see my pulmy April 1 for an ambulatory test and then probably oxygen. Just found out that when I get short of breath (moving around even in the house). my blood pressure jumps up. This seems to have gotten much worse in the last year, and my internist caught it last week.
As long as I am sitting still, my blood oxygen and blood pressure are normal.
My understanding is that with the pulmonary arterial hypertension, the arteries to the lungs aren't able to get enough oxygen which then causes a rise in blood pressure, and that this happens whenever I try to walk somewhere.
Would love to hear from anyone who has this diagnosis because it sounds complicated to me, especially the possible tests. I'm wondering too if a cardiologist needs to get involved.
Thanks, Ann
As long as I am sitting still, my blood oxygen and blood pressure are normal.
My understanding is that with the pulmonary arterial hypertension, the arteries to the lungs aren't able to get enough oxygen which then causes a rise in blood pressure, and that this happens whenever I try to walk somewhere.
Would love to hear from anyone who has this diagnosis because it sounds complicated to me, especially the possible tests. I'm wondering too if a cardiologist needs to get involved.
Thanks, Ann
Yes, I was also diagnosed with PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) and the symptoms you describe are exactly the same as mine. It seems that PAH falls under the general umbrella of COPD.
I went to a cardiologist for a second opinion and echo tests confirmed what my pulmo had explained. There were no abnormalities or weaknesses in the heart to cause undue alarm. Other than prescribing a daily dose of Zartan 100 and blood thinners, I also take Omega 3&6 to help keep my cholesterol levels down.
However, this does not mean that you shouldn't get a second opinion, if only for your peace of mind. It may be an idea to get your cholesterol level checked out too.
Good luck
:-) Leonie
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with PAH.
Yes, I plan to ask for an appt for a cardiologist to check out the condition of my heart too.
Do you also use oxygen for exercise? I know nothing about use of oxygen, but think there are portable units. I wonder if anyone on DS could offer a recommendation about this.
Again, thank you so much for letting me not feel so alone by sharing your experience.
Ann
Yes, I am on oxygen 24/7 @ 6 lpm (litres per minute) for emphysema. I don't know whether PAH also requires oxygen therapy - you'll have to get facts from your pulmonologist or cardiologist.
My PAH was picked up during one of the lung function tests (can't remember what it's called - a type of air-tight booth which measures the amount of carbon dioxide I exhale). My pulomonologist explained that not everyone who has emphysema has PAH too, nor vice versa, but since I have battled with high blood pressure for years, PAH came to the party - no show without Punch, as they say.
For oxygen in the house, I'm linked to a stationary electric concentrator by a 25ft hose and a cannula under my nose (I swear, some days I feel like a dang monkey on a zipline!). But if I need to go anywhere for a few hours, I depend on my portable concentrator (Inogen One) that delivers up to 5 litres lpm. The unit is powered by batteries that last for about 6 hours. It also has an adaptor that plugs into the cigar port in the car for longer journeys. (see on Google)
So I'm not entirely house bound. However, I find outings and journeys away from home to be thoroughly exhausting and stressful. Even though I use a walker to lean on and to carry my portable, there are too many obstacles and no-go areas that are impossible to negotiate (e.g. steps, escalators, slopes, tiny toilet cubicles, narrow shopping aisles, seating in a movie house, cramped diners...) My blood pressure screams through the roof, breathing is laboured and patience hits rock bottom. No thanks, I'm far more comfortable and happier at home.
As for exercise, that's entirely up to you to set your own goals and limits. Chat to your doctor before you embark on any exercise regimen.
Be kind to yourself and enjoy a restful day.
Leonie
This is a site explaining the different types of PH.
I have PH, but not PAH. Mine is associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis/Pulmonary Fibrosis. (connective tissue disease) Doc says i don't need a right heart cath, it was diagnosed through echocardiogram and HRCT scan.
I take Amlodipine for it-seems to work for me. I had blood pressure so high I was hospitalized by ambulance right from my doctor's office. Now i read a nice low normal. What I have is very mild so far, however if it had not been caught, and i did not take a prescription med for it, it would be much worse.
I hope you have a good doctor visit and find out all you need to know about PAH. As always, don't stress over anything you read online; take notes and ask your doc. :o)
Take care and be well,
Linda In CA