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.
2 days ago
 · 
Be the first to react
A myPHteam Member

Not sure ABQJane, right now I am not on any PH meds, I am on mycophenolate for my ILD and pulmonary fibrosis, also on cardiac meds. My PFT/6min. walk test have been coming back as stable with very little change, even improved on a couple of places. I have bilateral carotid artery disease, I have a stent in my right carotid artery and my left carotid is 100% blocked. I am on oxygen when I exercise and I was on oxygen at night. I might be able to come down off the night time oxygen, I just had an in-clinic sleep test this week to see if that is possible. They say there isn't as much testing on exercise induced PH but it is getting better.

2 days ago
A myPHteam Member

Asia, I have asked the same question. I have mild PH caused by Mixed Connective Tissue disease that caused interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis. I am being treated for the ILD. I have asked a couple of times to do more tests on me with exercise, I seem to do pretty well at rest but going up stairs or an incline causes the shortness of breath more than anything, or carrying things any distance. Sitting still I recover pretty quickly. The ACPET is what I am requesting at my next RHC to try and verify. When I workout with weights and do my cardio at the gym I have to use 3L of oxygen so I don't wear myself out. My PH specialist said we would do a stress echo or do the ACPET at my next RHC which will be next year sometime. Hope you find your answers, keep us updated!

2 days ago
myPHteam

What is the definitive test for diagnosing exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH)?

The gold standard for confirming exercise-induced PH is the Advanced Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (ACPET). This is an invasive test, meaning it uses thin tubes (catheters) inserted into the right side of the heart and pulmonary artery Show Full Answer

What is the definitive test for diagnosing exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH)?

The gold standard for confirming exercise-induced PH is the Advanced Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (ACPET). This is an invasive test, meaning it uses thin tubes (catheters) inserted into the right side of the heart and pulmonary artery to measure oxygen use and heart and lung function while you exercise for about 10 minutes. Before ACPET, doctors may use other tests to point toward a diagnosis, including:

- Exercise echocardiogram – uses ultrasound to compare heart function at rest vs. during exercise
- Lung function tests – measures how much air your lungs take in and how well oxygen enters your bloodstream
- Stress test – monitors heart response during physical activity After ACPET testing, doctors use specific criteria to confirm the diagnosis. All three of the following must be present:

- A mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) greater than 30 mmHg during exercise
- Increased pulmonary vascular resistance (how narrow or wide the lung vessels are)
- Normal mPAP and pulmonary vascular resistance measurements at rest

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (pressure in the left side of the heart) may also be measured as part of the diagnosis. It's worth noting that exercise-induced PH can be tricky to diagnose because symptoms like fatigue during exercise are easy to dismiss. Talking openly with your care team about any symptoms you notice during physical activity is really important.

2 days ago
A myPHteam Member

Brenda, I wonder if a vasodilator would be appropriate treatment, even if you don't have exercise-induced PH. I hope you get some answers.

2 days ago (edited)
A myPHteam Member

Hi Brenda. If you are diagnosed with exercise-induced PH, do you think it change your medications/treatment?

2 days ago

Related Questions

View All
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