Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

How is the disease diagnosed?

Pulmonary hypertension is usually caused by other conditions. Extensive testing of the heart and lungs is needed to rule out other causes. These tests include blood tests, breathing tests, and special x-ray tests. In rare cases, a lung biopsy is done. This involves removing a piece of lung tissue with a special needle. The tissue can then be looked at with a microscope. If other causes cannot be found, a diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension is made.