Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myPHteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Bowling Green, KY
November 3, 2025
 · 
Be the first to react
A myPHteam Member

As AI indicated, a firm diagnosis can only be had via having a Right Heart catheterization. The echo readings are just estimates and PH is determined by the "mean" pressure which is derived applying a formula I don't know with both your accurate systolic and your accurate diastolic pressure readings.

As an example, my own systolic reading on my diagnosing echo was 78 but the following RHC showed it was much less than that: 56! There is frequently quite a big discrepancy between the 2 tests.

Some cardiologists will use 40 systolic from an echo as the bare minimum before they proceed with an RHC and some insurance companies set their own minimum echo readings in order to cover the expense of the RHC.

November 3, 2025 (edited)
myPHteam

Is an RVsP of 40 mm Hg considered mild pulmonary hypertension?

An RVsP of 40 mm Hg is considered a threshold measurement that typically prompts further evaluation for pulmonary hypertension, especially if you're experiencing symptoms like difficulty breathing or have right ventricular dysfunction.

Current guidelines Show Full Answer

Is an RVsP of 40 mm Hg considered mild pulmonary hypertension?

An RVsP of 40 mm Hg is considered a threshold measurement that typically prompts further evaluation for pulmonary hypertension, especially if you're experiencing symptoms like difficulty breathing or have right ventricular dysfunction.

Current guidelines recommend additional testing for people with an RVsP greater than 40 mm Hg. This number is associated with an increased risk of PH-related complications, though it's important to know this threshold isn't absolute—some people below 40 mm Hg may still benefit from evaluation depending on their individual situation.

To confirm a PH diagnosis and determine the severity, you'll need a right heart catheterization (RHC). This procedure directly measures your mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), which is the gold standard for diagnosing PH. An mPAP greater than 20 mm Hg indicates pulmonary hypertension.

Your doctor will consider your RVsP reading along with your symptoms, other test results, and overall health picture to determine the next steps. It's essential to follow up with a cardiologist or pulmonologist who specializes in PH for proper evaluation and management.

November 3, 2025

Related Questions

View All
A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Detroit, MI

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In