PPH NEWS is an education-based resource site that provides information on the health issues surrounding Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), including what it is, the symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options.
This website also provides resource to learn more about your legal rights and remedies if you or someone you know has developed PPH due to the use of diet drugs such as Fen Phen.

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Diagnosis of PPH

Because of the nature of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), it can be very difficult to make a diagnosis of PPH. The signs and symptoms of PPH are often unnoticeable, go overlooked, or are confused with those of similar conditions, thus hindering the diagnosis of PPH. A successful diagnosis of PPH requires a thorough investigation of a patient's medical history and very careful and comprehensive medical examination.

The exact causes of PPH are often unknown. A major study conducted by the Mayo Clinic in 1997 indicated that approximately thirty percent of patients who had taken certain dietary drugs developed cardiovascular complications that led to the diagnosis of PPH. As a result of these findings, the FDA prompted the American Home Products Corporation to recall their appetite suppressant medications. In September 1997 Pondimin (fenfluramine), Redux (dexfenfluramine) and Fen-Phen (fenfluramine and phentermine) were pulled from the shelves because of the risk of developing the rare but fatal condition known as Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.

A diagnosis of PPH can be difficult because many patients do not present any outward symptoms of the condition. The symptoms of PPH, when present, can include: trouble breathing or shortness of breath (especially upon physical exertion), fatigue, fainting, chest pain, peripheral edema (swelling), coughing up blood, heart palpitations, and rapid heart beat. If a patient develops these symptoms a doctor can perform a number of medical tests to determine if a diagnosis of PPH is appropriate.

The diagnosis of PPH is often made by excluding other possible medical conditions. The first tests that are performed to make a diagnosis of PPH will test the functioning of the heart and lungs. PPH causes the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery to drastically increase. The pulmonary artery is responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. The functioning of both the heart and lungs is drastically compromised by PPH and can be detected through certain medical testing. A diagnosis of PPH can be difficult in some cases where functioning tests do not produce conclusive evidence.

The first tests performed when making a diagnosis of PPH are Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Echocardiogram tests. An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and can indicate unusual stress in the heart. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to evaluate the heart's functioning, and is valuable tool in the diagnosis of PPH. Pulmonary functioning tests, perfusion lung scans, right-heart cardiac catheterization, and other medical tests can be utilized to make or rule out a diagnosis of PPH.

Once a diagnosis of PPH is made, there are medical treatments available to help a patient with this condition. If you or a loved one has taken one of the aforementioned diet drugs, you may wish to contact a lawyer who can advise you of your legal options. You may be eligible to receive free medical testing to rule out the diagnosis of PPH. If you have received a positive diagnosis of PPH, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. If you would like to learn more about a diagnosis of PPH, please contact us to speak with an experienced attorney who can protect and maximize your legal interests.

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