 |
|
 |
|
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
|
|
|
|
|
Clinical Services (Pulmonary Hypertension Program):
|
|
Diagnosis
|
|
To establish a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, a series of tests are performed that show how well a person's heart and lungs are working.
Tests include:
|
|
|
- Blood Testing -- This may help identify familial pulmonary hypertension or associated causes of pulmonary hypertension.
- Radiographic Exams (e.g. CT scans) -- Can detail the extent of the disease and possibly identify associated causes of pulmonary hypertension.
- Chest X-ray -- A diagnostic test that uses invisible energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) -- A test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle stress or enlargement.
- Echocardiogram (echo) -- A procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves, recorded by an electronic sensor, that produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves. Estimates of pressures within the heart may be achieved in this fashion.
- Pulmonary Function Testing -- A series of tests to measure your child's breathing and lung capacity, and a diagnostic test that uses radioactive injected and inhaled nuclear lung scan to determine various aspects of blood and air flow through the lungs.
- Cardiac Catheterization -- A procedure that gives very detailed information about the structures inside the heart. Under sedation, a small, thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and guided to the inside of the heart. Blood pressure and oxygen measurements are taken in the heart, as well as in the pulmonary artery and aorta. Contrast dye may be injected to more clearly visualize the structures inside the heart or lungs. Medications may be administered to attempt to better understand causes or treatment options.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice,
which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. |
|
|
|
Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|