Early detection of PH is crucial for better outcomes. While specific tests diagnose PH, your body often offers initial clues and “red flags” you shouldn’t ignore. A comprehensive physical examination is important at this stage. This assessment can initially be performed at your local family doctor’s office and later by a specialised PH doctor.
Symptoms
Share with your doctor common symptoms that you experience often; these might signal PH, especially if they worsen:
- Shortness of Breath: This is a common symptom of PH, especially when worsening with exertion or occurring at rest.
- Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired and lacking energy can be an early sign of PH.
- Chest Pain: This can be a dull ache or a sharp discomfort, sometimes exacerbated by activity.
- Dizziness or Light-headedness: Feeling faint or experiencing sudden drops in blood pressure could be related to PH.
- Palpitations: Feeling your heart flutter or race can be a sign of abnormal heart rhythms sometimes associated with PH.
- Continuous non-improving cough: Mostly dry cough which does not respond to usual cough syrups or antibiotics.
Warning Signs of Worsening PH
During a physical examination, your doctor checks for telltale signs of PH:
- Peripheral Oedema: Swelling in your ankles and feet, often due to fluid buildup associated with right heart failure.
- Abnormal Heart Sounds: A murmur, clicking, or other unusual sound during a heartbeat can indicate problems with heart valves or blood flow, potentially related to PH.
- Palpable Pulsation in the Chest: A noticeable throbbing sensation in your chest could be caused by an enlarged pulmonary artery, a sign of PH.
- Increased Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP): This refers to an observable swelling of the veins in the neck, indicating potential right heart failure, a common feature in PH.
Beyond the Obvious: Other Red Flags
Be aware of other factors that increase your risk:
- Family History of PH: Having a close relative with PH increases your risk.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain conditions like sleep apnea, lung diseases, or connective tissue disorders can contribute to PH.
- Sudden Worsening of Existing Symptoms: If you already have any of the mentioned symptoms and they suddenly worsen, seek medical attention immediately.
Guiding Further Tests: The findings from the physical examination can help the doctor decide which further tests are needed. For example, if the doctor detects signs of right heart failure, they may order an echocardiogram or right heart catheterization to measure the pressure in the heart and lungs.
