Treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension
There is currently no standard therapy for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension associated with CHD. There have been several small studies using intravenous epoprostenol (FlolanÆ), but their small size make it difficult to determine any effects on long-term survival. Studies using similar therapies to Flolan, such as UT15 (subcutaneous prostacyclin), inhaled prostacyclin, and Beraprost (oral prostacyclin) have included patients with CHD, but the data are too preliminary to derive any meaningful conclusions at this time.

There are several active drug trials for primary pulmonary hypertension which appear to be promising (i.e. Bosentan/TracleerÆ), but it will be some time before patients with CHD are included in these studies. Patients with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension are not included early in these studies because of their very different symptomatology and survival pattern.

Chronic anticoagulation (blood thinning to inhibit clotting) therapy is standard for patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. This kind of therapy is used because clotting within the lungs is thought to make the progression of the disease more rapid. Many clinicians recommend anticoagulation to patients with pulmonary hypertension and CHD even though the long-term effects of such therapy such have not been studied.

As with all causes of pulmonary hypertension, all other contributing "triggers" should be treated. For example, if low oxygen levels respond to supplemental oxygen, continuous oxygen inhalation is recommended.
Content Courtesy : www.achaheart.org
^{The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.}