What is the prognosis if you have rheumatoid arthritis causing mild pulmonary hypertension and how common is it?

Ask the Doctor: Questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis


Stephen A. Paget, MD, FACP, FACR

Physician-in-Chief and Chairman of the Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery
The Joseph P. Routh Professor of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University


Answer:

Pulmonary Hypertension is not very common in RA. However, once it has been defined as to its extent and severity by either an ECHOcardiogram or right heart catheterization, it needs to be carefully assessed and treated. Luckily, there are excellent medications that can be used for this including anti-hypertension medications such as calcium channel blockers, Bosentan, an endothelin blocker, and the anticoagulant warfarin. Once of more may be right for you or your doctor may not think that you need any of these. A cardiology or pulmonary specialist should be seen to define the extent of your problem and whether or not medications are needed