My pulmonary dr told me it was very likely to get that after a pe. If you dont mind me asking what were you symptoms and what do you have to do now? This scares me also but I think its because of the unknown to me. I will keep you in my thoughts!

I'm so sorry about your DX of PH. Have you placed a post on PH site? If needed there is very good information on line just google for the info. As far as I'm concerned a DX of PH makes our DX's of PE seem like the common cold. Please keep me posted. If you need support please feel free to post. We are here to be there for you.

I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension after I had a PE in 2008. My numbers are back to normal and my cardiologist needs to see me now only on an annual basis. He predicted my recovery because of my being in good condition and my fitness regimen. Good luck

symptoms are similar to PE, shortness of breath, fatigue, ya da ya da.
After 2 years of still feeling awful, we got an echocardiogram which showed PH and tricuspid valve damage.

I was put on "NO ACTIVITY" even walking to my mailbox until I see the cardiologist. I figure the cardiologist will just refer me to the PH guy, so I'm trying to get an appointment there.

I'm already taking all the drugs but the final stage ones now. My doc and I discussed oxygen therapy, but I haven't started it yet. I know that will make feel better.

It is extremely expensive to treat, more than $10,000 a month for the meds...(according to my doc). I don't know what stage I'm at, but the Mayo link implies Stage 3...just wanting a heads up from those who are already there...

If this is "common" among PE survivors, why are they not screening us for this on a regular basis?

I so agree! That was one of my concerns! I called my cardiologist in july and cant get in until november! They told me to go to the er. It really upsets me. I will keep you in my thoughts. How do they test for pulmonary hypertension?

I have appointments with a cardio and pulminory specialists in 2 weeks to check if I have PH.. My physician seems to think it's highly possible. So I can understand how you feel Purplemem... After surviving a massive safddle PE etc. I thought I had paid my dues...
A positive frame of mind usually gets me through most things.
Keep smiling, as long as we can smile.. we are alive :))

I don't know all the tests, it showed up for me on the echocardiogram. I have triscupid valve leakage. There are several good websites.

The ClevelandClinic one explains everything thoroughly, so does the one on http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/303098-overview.

Hi purplemem!
I was diagnosed with chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension over 3 years ago.
Because of increasing breathlessness my GP treated me for COPD for over a year before I insisted that I should be referred to a heart/lungs specialist. The heart scan (echo) showed a blockage in my lungs and I was admitted to hospital straight away. The CT scan showed multiple PEs but after further investigations I was told that several of the clots would never go as they had become embedded in the walls of the blood vessels. This was the cause of the pulmonary hypertension.
The only way to really test for PH is called a "right heart catheter" test and following this I was prescribed a drug which opens up the blood vessels to make it easier for the heart to pump the blood through the lungs. The drug is called sildenafil - commonly known as viagra!!!
Thankfully I soon started to feel less breathless and gradually went back to working full time in a busy library. I've also flown on 7 hour flights to visit my son but I do need to arrange in-flight oxygen.
As I never thought that I would be able to go on long flights again or return to work it shows that there are treatments now for PH and although there is still no cure - there is a lot of recent ongoing research and new treatments available.
I know how scared you must be but please try not to worry as the sooner PH is diagnosed then the sooner you will start to feel better.
Send me a message any time if you want more info. I kept a journal on here and if you would like to read it please send a friend request - love Sandi x

I had a echocardiogram last year that showed pericardial effusion. Is there any relation between the 2 of these conditions?

I sometimes feel short of breath without knowing a reason. Most times the symptoms dissipate with the use of ventolin.