Hipertensiunea Pulmonară Cronică a Emboliției Tromboasistematice Pulmonare (HCPET)
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) - Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of CTEPH
CTEPH can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Swollen legs due to fluid retention (edema)
Diagnosis and Tests
Your care may start with tests to check for signs of CTEPH. These include:
- Lung ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q scan)
- Pulmonary angiogram, which shows whether there are blood clots or narrow blood vessels
- Pulmonary function tests
- Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)
Additional studies are typically necessary. They help confirm a chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension diagnosis and its severity.
Management and Treatment
A procedure is typically necessary. There are two options:
- Pulmonary endarterectomy: This open surgical procedure removes blood clots from your lung arteries.
- Pulmonary balloon angioplasty: This procedure uses tiny balloons at the tip of long tubes (catheters). They push aside scar tissue to open up narrowed arteries.
Do I have additional CTEPH treatment options?
Riociguat tablets, a pulmonary hypertension medication, can bring some symptom relief. This drug is for people who can't have a procedure. It’s also for patients whose pulmonary hypertension continues after surgery.
Prevention
CTEPH is a complication of many health conditions, some of which are out of your control. You can lower your risk by taking good care of your lungs. This includes avoiding tobacco or quitting smoking.
Outlook / Prognosis
Pulmonary endarterectomy and pulmonary balloon angioplasty can potentially cure CTEPH. People who have one of these procedures typically have an excellent prognosis.
Despite this positive outlook, many patients struggle with anxiety and depression. This is especially true in people who aren't eligible for curative treatment. If you experience these issues, let your healthcare provider know. They can address your concerns and recommend therapies to help you feel better.
Living with
You'll be on blood thinners for the rest of your life. If you take warfarin, you might have to avoid certain foods. These include foods high in vitamin K, like soy and broccoli.
Light exercise, like walking, helps many people gain strength and feel their best. Your healthcare provider may recommend a medically supervised exercise program(pulmonary rehabilitation).
