Hi Kelly83, He or his nurse or PA could have explained it to you. The purpose of the heart, other than falling in love, is to pump oxygenated blood from the lower chambers to the upper chambers. Oxygenated blood leaves the heart after getting its oxygen from the lungs, and the heart pump circulates it throughout the body, and returns it to the lungs again for more oxygen. Arteries take the blood away from the heart and veins bring it back in. As we age, gain weight and do less exercise, our heart muscle isn't challenged as much as it was when we were kids and we could ride bikes for hours and run like the wind. As it isn't exercised as much, it can become weak. A simple term for CHF (congestive heart failure) is a "weak heart". This can also be a hereditary condition, or the result of retiring and becoming a couch potato. Heart disease, certain forms of it, can also run in families. Signs of "heart failure" include shortness of breath, cough and swelling in the legs. Since the 1970's, there have been major advances in cardiac care and cardiac medications. Cardiac testing including echocardiograms, stress tests, Cardiac catheterizations and various heart scans have improved the lives of heart patients all over the world. My theory is that we have known about PH and PAH for a long time, but that the researchers and doctors went after the big fish first and invented heart caths and scans, diagnostic tools that have helped the doctors to know what is going on and that now that they know, they will start researching the small stuff. The effect of medications on the veins and arteries around the heart. When I was a young nurse in the 1970's, we called the people with primary lung disease "pink puffers" and the ones with primary cardiac disease the "blue bloaters".
We treated them with specific drugs for their condition, that would work for a while. The same with the pink puffers. But, so much research has been done in the last 50 years, you rarely see these people suffer like they used to. New medications to help their specific conditions such as beta-blockers have helped heart patients live longer, productive, happier lives. Fewer people smoke, and that is helpful for the patient as well as though around them. It really is best not to start. Some people want this additional information and some don't want to know. The Mayo Clinic website is a great source of information. If you want additional information, you may be able to make an appointment with the doctor's PA (Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) CNP and they can answer questions about medications and why you are taking them, what else is available, etc. Just as cardiac caths were the big thing in the 70's, we may find that PH and PAH may be the "Big Things" of this century.

Remember, your doctor said "mild". With a few lifestyle adjustments, you can work on strengthening your heart muscle. Ask him/her to help you to develop a gradual "plan", including making some dietary and physical adjustments. You may even feel better and feel happier in the long run! Welcome to our PH and PAH support group! I would like you to look at the top of this page under the "Resources" tab. There you will find many answers to common questions. Please, always call your doctor first regarding chest pain, increased shortness of breath or irregular heart beat. You can also dial 911 and get immediate attention in the Emergency Room. Blessings!

Thank you. I’m upset that my Cardiologist never let me know this since and the MRI was done Nov 6th, 2023. I’ve just found the MRI results in my online file. Not one Dr I go to said a thing and I have been seen a few times. Wow. I’m actually dumbfounded. Appreciate your responce.