The University of South Alabama has opened a new clinic that focuses on aggressive treatment of the complex medical needs of pulmonary hypertension patients.

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare blood vessel disorder of the lung in which the pressure in the pulmonary artery (the blood vessel that leads from the heart to the lungs) rises above normal levels and may become life threatening. Pulmonary hypertension is frequently misdiagnosed and has often progressed to late stage by the time it is accurately diagnosed. Pulmonary hypertension has been historically chronic and incurable with a poor survival rate. However, new treatments are available which have significantly improved prognosis.

When pulmonary hypertension occurs in the absence of a known cause, it is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPH). IPH is extremely rare, occurring in about 2 people per million. Secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH) means the cause is known. A common cause of SPH is breathing disorder such as emphysema and bronchitis. Other causes are the inflammatory or collagen vascular diseases such as scleroderma, CREST syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Congenital heart diseases, HIV infection, liver disease and diet drugs like fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine are also causes of pulmonary hypertension.

“Our goal is to provide patients with leading-edge care and to aggressively work to find better treatments options for people living with pulmonary hypertension,” said Dr. Majid Mohammad Mughal, who serves as medical director for the center and assistant professor of internal medicine at the USA College of Medicine.

To learn more about the USA Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic or to make an appointment, call (251) 471- 7029.