Condition

Pulmonary Hypertension

A condition where the blood pressure inside the arteries of the lungs is too high

At the Herma Heart Institute, we understand the fears and challenges facing families like yours. We are here to answer all your questions and support you in every step of your journey. Our team provides expert heart care that fits what your child needs. We care for patients of all ages and stages — from before birth and into adulthood.

What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition where the blood pressure inside the arteries of the lungs is too high. This high blood pressure makes it harder for the heart to pump blood into the lungs.

Pulmonary hypertension can happen to children at any age. Sometimes the causes of pulmonary hypertension aren't always clear. Certain conditions can make a child more likely to develop pulmonary hypertension, including:

Lung disease of prematurity (bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
Diaphragmatic hernia
Chronic lung disease
Some unrepaired congenital heart disease and heart failure

Pulmonary hypertension can also not be related to any other disease. This is known as "idiopathic pulmonary hypertension."

Pulmonary Hypertension Treatments We Offer

The best treatment for pulmonary hypertension is different for each child. At Children’s Wisconsin, we have great success helping kids manage symptoms. We are known for our high quality of care. Families come to Children's Wisconsin from all over to get care for their children with pulmonary hypertension.

Our goal is to find the cause of the pulmonary hypertension and fix it. That could be a heart problem or lung disease. We partner with heart surgeons and lung doctors (pulmonologists) to make a care plan. Our experts also have experience working with medications that treat pulmonary hypertension. We educate each family about the disease so they can be part of the care team. We follow your child closely and adjust treatment if needed.

Why Choose the Herma Heart Institute for Pulmonary Hypertension

Our Pulmonary Hypertension Program is one of a few pediatric care centers in the United States. It is only one in Wisconsin that is nationally recognized by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association as a Center of Comprehensive Care. This is the highest ranking possible. It is because of our skill in using the newest and best testing and treatments. This helps patients of all ages with pulmonary hypertension live life to the fullest.

Our Pulmonary Hypertension Program is also proud to be part of the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNet). This is a network of 14 pediatric centers that are experts in treating pulmonary hypertension. We partner on research, education and quality improvements. We work together to improve care for pulmonary hypertension.

Our team of board-certified pediatric cardiologists and nurse practitioners are trained to care for kids with pulmonary hypertension. They use state-of-the-art tests to find a cause for your child’s condition. They then create a care plan just for your child. Follow-up care is provided at several convenient locations.

As necessary, providers work closely with other heart and lung experts to meet your child's needs. This includes lung doctors (pulmonologists) and heart surgeons who specialize in congenital heart defects. Cardiac anesthesiologists, psychologists, social workers and nutritionists make sure all your child's needs are met.

Additionally, our pulmonary hypertension experts are part of the Pulmonary Vein Stenosis group at the Herma Heart Institute. This group is made up of cardiologists, interventionalists and surgeons. They manage the care of patients living with pulmonary vein stenosis. This condition often leads to pulmonary hypertension. With this special team, pulmonary vein stenosis is managed better, and the risk of pulmonary hypertension is lowered. 

What To Expect

For some families, it can be helpful to come prepared with a plan before your appointment with a cardiologist. Here are things to consider documenting and having ready for your appointment:

Symptoms your child is experiencing: Sharing when these symptoms appeared and how frequently they occur is helpful to the medical team. Don’t be afraid to share symptoms that seem unrelated — congenital heart disease can affect other parts of the body.

Medications: This should also include any supplements or vitamins your child takes

Related history: This includes family medical history and recent changes in your family’s life.

Your questions: This will help ensure you don’t forget to ask all of your questions. It is okay to ask the same question several times if you are unclear. Our team is here to help you understand the big picture and make sure you walk away with your questions answered.