The Pulmonary Hypertension program at the University of Minnesota Medical Center strives to provide comprehensive and innovative care to persons diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension through a multidisciplinary team focused on improving patient outcomes. 

The goals of the PH program are:

• To relieve symptoms of the disease
• To improve perceived quality of life
• To increase longevity

PH is a complex and challenging disease that demands diligent consideration.  Guided by the cardiology team, therapies at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview are tried, proven successful, and progressive.  It is in partnership with patients, their loved ones, numerous health care professionals, and industry representatives that enables the PH program to provide and promote optimal client well being. 

Complimentary care is provided through coordination of assets within various departments, including Pulmonology, Rheumatology, Sleep Medicine, Hepatology, and Hematology.  The Cardiovascular Center works in conjunction with the Thoracic Transplant Center to meet the needs of those PH patients awaiting lung transplantation. 

Avenues of dialogue between health care providers and persons affected with PH, as well as their significant other(s), are encouraged.  Twenty-four hour telephone support provides for consistently available and maintained communication.  Inpatient, outpatient, and community resources coordinate to better secure well being for individual PH patients and their families.

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs.  This is a rare, but serious illness.

Under normal conditions, the blood pressure in the lungs is low and blood flows easily through the vessels.  Sometimes the blood vessels in the lungs become narrow, scarred, or blocked.  This causes the pressure in the vessel to increase, resulting in PH.   When PH is present, the right side of the heart has to work harder to get blood through the narrowed vessels to the lungs. With time, the right heart can grow larger and weaken, therefore not being able to pump as well.  This can eventually result in heart failure.

What are symptoms of PH?
Symptoms vary, but may include:

• Shortness of breath, often with activity
• Feeling very tired or fatigued
• Fainting or passing out
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, or stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Heart Palpitations or feeling the heart racing

Make an appointment
Our Pulmonary Hypertension team sees patients at the University of Minnesota Medical Center as a part of the University of Minnesota Physicians.  Referrals may be initiated by patients, primary care physicians, or other specialty care physicians.  We offer comprehensive care through a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses.  Our team believes that communication is key to success, and strives to communicate with referring providers on a frequent basis.  Additionally, we work very closely as a team and hold weekly meetings to discuss outstanding patient issues or challenging cases.

New Patient referrals and appointments:  612-625-2191