Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program

Pulmonary vascular diseases (PVD) are a group of conditions that affect blood circulation in the lungs, making the heart work harder. These conditions, including pulmonary hypertension, can lead to cardiovascular problems as well as impair quality of life.

The Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program at MUSC Health is nationally recognized as an accredited Pulmonary Hypertension Association Center of Comprehensive Care, the only one of its kind in South Carolina. Our team of providers offer state-of-the-art care in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary vascular diseases. They work closely with our colleagues in cardiology, rheumatology, nephrology and other specialties to ensure our patients receive comprehensive and supportive care, tailored to their individual needs.

• What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
• Why Choose Us?
• Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms & Causes
• Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosis & Treatment
• Clinical Trials
• Patient Resources
• Pulmonary Vascular Disease Experts

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a specific type of pulmonary vascular disease and refers to any issue that causes a problem in the blood vessels of the lungs. PH is a broad term, encompassing 5 different groups of the condition, based on the causes. Frequently patients with pulmonary hypertension are not recognized until they have advanced disease because early symptoms can be confused with those of many other conditions. An earlier diagnosis, a greater understanding of the disease, and the development of a comprehensive treatment plan can improve quality of life and prognosis in this life-threatening condition.

Why Choose Us?

Our pulmonary hypertension program is one of the first and largest programs of its kind in South Carolina. Our providers have extensive experience in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating pulmonary vascular diseases. We can help create the treatment plan that is right for you. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach to your care and work together to deliver care that puts your needs at the center of the plan.

When you come to MUSC Health for PVD treatment, you benefit from:

• A Multidisciplinary Team Approach to make sure patients quickly see the best doctors for their case and patient-centered care.
• State-of-the-art Diagnostic Testing and advanced treatment methods to provide patient-focused care that relieves a patient’s symptoms and prevents irreversible damage from pulmonary hypertension and other PVD’s.
• Cutting-Edge Clinical Trials and Research to discover new diagnostic and treatment opportunities for patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms and Causes

A diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be overwhelming and bewildering, leading to questions and concerns about therapies, outcomes, causes and lifestyle changes. PH refers to any issue that causes a problem in the blood vessels of the lungs. PH is a broad term, encompassing 5 different groups of the condition, based on the causes.

Symptoms that suggest you have PH:

• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Leg swelling
• Syncope - loss of consciousness
• Chest pain or tightness
• Cough

What are the Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary Hypertension is associated with different conditions. Our team may ask you questions regarding your history of the following to determine what may be causing pulmonary hypertension in your case.

Important history:

• Family History of Pulmonary Hypertension
• Connective Tissue Disease
• Heart Disease
• Lung Disease/Tobacco Use/Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Liver Disease/ Hepatitis
• Recreational drug use such as cocaine, methamphetamine
• HIV
• Blood clots (lungs, legs)

Learn more about the different causes of PH in an article published on Advance with MUSC Health.

Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment

How is Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosed?

Our team may order testing to work up the reason for your underlying pulmonary hypertension.

Exams and Tests:

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
• 6-minute walk test
• Blood work
• EKG
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan of the chest
• Pulmonary angiogram
• Nuclear lung scan (V/Q scan)
• Sleep studies
• Right heart catheterization

How is Pulmonary Hypertension Treated?

Once we get an accurate diagnosis of PH, we develop a plan individualized for the patient. The treatment strategy is tailored to each patient depending on the cause of their pulmonary hypertension. The goals of therapy are developed with reference to the current evidence-based medicine and with input from the patients themselves.

Make the most of your visit:

• Maintain a diary of symptoms
• Keep track of your blood pressure, daily weights, pulse oximetry readings, and significant events.
• Share your fears at the time of your visit
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for your appointment
• If possible, bring your caregiver with you
• Bring an updated medication list - include supplements/over-the-counter (OTC) drugs/herbal medicine
• Write down all your questions, concerns or new problems prior to your visit

Clinical Trials

At MUSC’s Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program, we offer cutting-edge clinical trials and research to discover new diagnostic and treatment opportunities for patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Talk to your doctor to learn how you can participate in clinical trials or for more information:

• Call: 843-792-0965
• Email: recruitment@musc.edu
• Visit SCResearch.org

Patient Resources

The MUSC Pulmonary Vascular Disease team recommends the following related resources:

• Pulmonary Hypertension Association
• PHaware
• Support groups

Pulmonary Vascular Disease Experts

The Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program at MUSC Health brings together pulmonary and critical care medicine physicians, cardiologists, and other specialists, who have extensive experience diagnosing and treating all forms of PVD. To learn more about our faculty and care team members, visit the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care website.