How do doctors diagnose pulmonary hypertension?

Doctors can diagnose pulmonary hypertension through imaging tests, heart tests and blood tests.

Imaging tests

  • Chest X-ray
  • Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
  • Heart tests
  • Cardiac catheterization (when a doctor puts a small tube with a pressure sensor into a blood vessel)

Other tests

  • Physical exam
  • Review of your child's medical and family history
  • Walk test to check your child's breathing while he exercises
  • Blood tests
  • If the doctor is not sure of the cause, it is called idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.
Rev. 3/2018. Reviewed by the MGfC Family Advisory Council. This webpage is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.