HOW TO CHECK FOR PH-ILD
Uncover helpful clues in your routine ILD tests
If the results of your regular ILD tests are worsening, they may be indicators of PH. Here are some things your doctor could look for:
BNP=B-type natriuretic peptide; DLCO=diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide; FVC=forced vital capacity; ILD=interstitial lung disease; NT-proBNP=N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide; PH=pulmonary hypertension.
Ask your doctor if any of the test results above are changing, and if so, could it be PH?
Your actions are key to being more active.
Get to know the tests your doctor is ordering so you can have informed discussions. Educating yourself about these tests can be the difference in making every conversation more productive, which may ultimately result in you feeling better.
Since PH may appear at any time, checking your test results once is not enough. Be sure to have your doctor check for signs of PH whenever you have testing done.
Routine Tests
Helpful clues to PH can be uncovered in routine ILD tests.
Your role in helping to identify PH is crucial, as PH can appear at any time.
Had an echo and it didn’t show PH?
Keep asking questions. Echos often don’t indicate PH-ILD, especially in the early stages of PH.
40%
of patients diagnosed* with PH-ILD had an echo that showed a low likelihood of PH
* PH-ILD diagnosis was confirmed with a right heart catheterization (RHC), the required test to diagnose PH-ILD.
An echocardiogram, or “echo,” is less effective for catching PH in the early stages, because changes that happen during the early phase of PH are subtle and not easily seen with echo. Also, existing lung disease can make PH difficult to detect on an echo. So that means you can’t rely on echo alone to detect early signs of PH.
When can an echo be most useful?
- It can be a useful tool to detect later-stage PH—when it becomes more obvious
- It can also help detect unhealthy changes in the way the heart is working
Talk to your doctor about the other ILD tests that should be looked at along with an echo.
Getting a definitive answer
A right heart catheterization (RHC or right heart cath) is the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH). It directly measures pressures in the right side of your heart and the blood vessels in your lungs and can confirm whether you have PH.
Other tests, including an echocardiogram (Echo), can provide important clues that PH may be present. However, an Echo alone cannot confirm a PH diagnosis, and PH can sometimes be difficult to detect—especially in people living with lung disease.
When it comes to PH, finding it sooner matters. If your symptoms are changing or your routine tests are showing signs that could point to PH, it may be time to talk with your doctor about what comes next.
Ask your doctor if a right heart cath may be the right next step for you.
Take an Active Role with Your Doctor
Sign up for the Raise The Questions program with Coach Phil to get the specific questions and information to help prepare you for conversations with your doctor.
Join Now