Pulmonary hypertension is high pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood into the lungs. This condition strains the lungs and heart. It can lead to serious problems.

The cause is sometimes not known. But it's most often caused by another health problem. In many cases, treating this problem can help prevent or control pulmonary hypertension. Some of the most common causes of pulmonary hypertension in children are:

• Severe lung problems in a newborn.
• Congenital heart defects.
• Genetic disease.
• Lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or interstitial lung disease.
• Other conditions, such as scleroderma, lupus, or sickle cell disease.

Symptoms may come on suddenly. Or they may come on slowly over time. Symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Blue lips or fingernails (signs of low oxygen).
• Tiring quickly, especially when active.
• Fainting or dizzy spells.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Coughing that's dry or produces blood.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain in the upper right side of the belly.
• Swelling in the legs or ankles.

Your child will have a physical exam. The doctor will listen to the heart and lungs and take your child’s blood pressure. Your child may have other tests, such as:

• Blood tests. These measure certain body functions. They also check for problems such as infection.
• Chest X-ray. This takes a picture of the inside of the chest. It can show some heart and lung problems.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records the heart’s electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram (echo). This test uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart.
• Pulmonary function tests. These measure breathing and lung capacity.
• Perfusion lung scan. This may be used to find changes in the arteries that lead to the lungs. It can show blood flow and blood clots inside the lungs.
• CT scan of the chest. This test takes detailed pictures of the lungs.
• 6-minute walk test. This test measures your child's exercise tolerance. It checks if oxygen levels drop during exertion.
• Cardiac catheterization (cath). This procedure measures pressures in the heart and lungs. It’s the only test that measures the pressure inside the pulmonary arteries. A thin tube (catheter) is put into a blood vessel in the groin or neck. It's guided into the right side of the heart and to the pulmonary artery. This is the main artery that sends blood to the lungs. Blood pressure tests are then done.
• Cardiac MRI. This test uses a large magnet and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the heart, showing its size, its shape, and how well it is pumping.

Treatment depends on your child’s age, health, and how bad the symptoms are. Managing this condition requires a team with experience in this area.

Any health problems that may have caused the condition will be treated. Treatment may also include:

• Oxygen.
• Medicine to lower pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs.
• Medicine to help the body lose excess water.
• Medicine that helps the heart beat stronger, pump more blood, and control abnormal heart rhythms.