Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Pulmonary vascular disorders
HEART AND LUNG DISORDERS
HCA UK can diagnose and treat a range of heart and lung disorders
About
Pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the pulmonary arteries and pulmonary vein between the heart and lungs. As a result, there is abnormal blood flow and the rest of the body can be affected as the disease progresses.
There are two main PVD disorders: pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension.
Need to know
The most common symptoms of pulmonary vascular disease are:
- breathlessness
- tiredness and fatigue
- chest pain
- cough
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs as a result of a blood clot in the pelvis or legs, which can break off and travel to the pulmonary arteries, restricting blood flow. Pulmonary hypertension is mainly caused by a person’s genes or an existing condition. It causes the walls of the pulmonary arteries to become thick and stiff and blood flow is reduced, causing high blood pressure. PVD results in high blood pressure in the lungs, making the right side of the heart work harder. This can eventually lead to right-sided heart failure.
If you have any of the symptoms above, you should urgently see your GP or consultant. They will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. Diagnosing PVD can take time if the symptoms are similar to other heart or lung conditions. Tests your GP or consultant may recommend include: - physical examination of your heart, lungs, ankles and legs - heart scan (echocardiogram) to test how well your heart is working - right heart catheterisation, which involves a thin, flexible tube being inserted into your pulmonary artery to measure blood pressure - D-dimer test (a special blood test to detect loose pieces of blood clot in your blood stream)
Treatment options for PVD depend on the extent of the condition, whether any blood clots have entered your bloodstream, and your general health. These might include:
- Anticoagulant medicine injections for up to five days. Anticoagulant tablets will then need to be taken for at least three months.
- Surgery to remove the clot (pulmonary endarterectomy).
- Oxygen treatment to increase oxygen levels in the blood.
- Medicines that slow the progression of pulmonary hypertension and reverse damage to the heart and lungs.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.