Children's Hospital Colorado
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What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare disorder of high blood pressure in the blood vessels that line the lungs. Pulmonary blood pressure rises when arteries and capillaries in the lungs become narrowed, blocked, or destroyed, making it hard for blood to flow through the lungs. Because the vessels of the lung and the heart are physically connected, this makes blood pressure in the heart rise and forces the heart to work harder than normal.

If the condition goes untreated, the heart cannot push hard enough against the lung pressures, which may eventually lead to heart failure.

Learn more about pulmonary hypertension.

Why choose the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Children’s Colorado

The Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Children's Colorado was the first multidisciplinary program for children in the United States and has been treating children with pulmonary hypertension for 25 years. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association recently awarded our Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program with a prominent accreditation for the ability to diagnose and care for medically complex patients. This accreditation makes our program one of only three pediatric programs in the U.S. to receive this distinction.

We currently manage more than 200 patients with severe pulmonary hypertension either as a primary diagnosis or secondary to heart or lung disease. Our primary goal is to improve your child's quality of life by focusing on early detection and treatment. Our program offers state-of-the-art diagnosis, consultation and long-term follow-up care for kids with pulmonary hypertension and their families. Treatment options include oral, intravenous and inhaled therapies, as well as access to clinical trials. Learn more about our heart research.

Heart and Lung resources for families

  • The Pediatric Heart Lung Center at Children’s Colorado is a multidisciplinary program that provides a unique approach toward patient care, education, research and training in childhood heart and lung disease.
  • Our Welcome Program helps families deal with all aspects of your child’s care. If your child is scheduled for heart surgery and you live more than 50 miles away, our Welcome Program can make your visit a little easier.

To learn more about pulmonary hypertension, visit the following websites:

Learn more about your visit to the Heart Institute.

Compassionate care, wherever you are

We’re here when you need us. Telehealth appointments are available across every specialty, so you can get the high-quality care we’ve always offered from the comfort, privacy and convenience of home.

See if telehealth is right for you

 

Looking for a second opinion?

From heart conditions present at birth to adult congenital heart disease to heart conditions requiring surgery, our pediatric heart experts can provide a second opinion so you feel confident in your care plan.

Request a second opinion from our Heart Institute