Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) refers to high blood pressure in the lungs. There are many different types of Pulmonary Hypertension, but Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is the most important type and more often diagnosed in people with autoimmune conditions such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus or mixed connective tissue disease.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension occurs when the blood vessels in the lungs are diseased and become thick and narrow, resulting in an increase of pressure on the right side of the heart as it tries to pump blood through these narrow blood vessels. Over time, the right heart will start to enlarge and decompensate. As a result, less blood will circulate through the lungs, picking up less oxygen overall. This may make people with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension feel tired and breathless. If Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is not treated, the right heart will start to fail.
Find out more on the condition here >
The combined Pulmonary Hypertension clinic at National Heart Centre (Singapore) sees patients with autoimmune diseases for the evaluation and diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension, and continued care and treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension. Patients are seen by the Rheumatologist, Cardiologist and the Respiratory physician, supported by the Cardiology Pulmonary Hypertension nurse. This monthly combined clinic provides comprehensive and seamless care for Pulmonary Hypertension patients and allows the multidisciplinary team to discuss and manage complex Pulmonary Hypertension patients in the same setting.
Rheumatologists
Cardiologists
Respiratory Physicians
Other members of the PH programme include the Cardiology nurses who assist in the care of our patients with PH
Rheumatology-associated Pulmonary Hypertension is a progressive and serious disease that has no cure currently. However, there are treatments available to manage the condition. This has relied on advances in research that has made a difference to the lives of patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.
Ongoing research will lead to improved patient care and the discovery of new treatments for Pulmonary Hypertension.
Find out more on our Department’s research here >
