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Pulmonary Hypertension

PH or a chest cold

04/04/2008

Question:

I was told that on an echo that I have mild to moderate PH. I am waiting to see a cardiologist about further tests. I didn`t have no signs of this. I also have high blood pressure. The last week every time I do any thing like my daily walk I get chest pains, tightness in my chest, feels like someone is sitting on my chest, and I breath heavy faster then normal. When I go for my walk I am breathing heavier almost right away where before I would not breath heavy at all. I am also lightheaded and very tired. I don`t have a cough. I also have high blood pressure, anemia and rheumatiod arthritis. Which I am blaming some of my problems now to my RA. There is also a chest cold going around at work. Due to the medications for my RA I can get sick easly. How can I tell the difference if this is a chest cold or my PH has gotten worse?

Answer:

With a chest cold you may experience cough, increased shortness of breath, chest tightness; the symptoms with PH are similar, too. The best thing is to see you doctor and discuss it with him or her.

For more information:

Go to the Pulmonary Hypertension health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Namita Sood, MD, FCCP Namita Sood, MD, FCCP
Associate Professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University