Advanced Heart Diagnosis and Testing for Pulmonary Hypertension 

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition that affects blood flow between the heart and lungs. It can affect people of all ages. Because symptoms and causes vary, accurate testing is important.  

At Keck Medicine of USC, our specialists use advanced imaging and interventional (less-invasive) testing to understand what’s driving your condition and how severe it is. This detailed evaluation allows us to create a personalized care plan and connect you with the most effective treatment options. 

This interventional evaluation helps confirm a chronic pulmonary hypertension diagnosis and enables your team choose the right next step for your pulmonary hypertension treatment. 

Who Should Schedule an Evaluation 

If you notice symptoms that linger or limit daily life, it may help to take a closer look. An evaluation can help your team understand what’s going on and what to do next. Consider an evaluation if you have: 

• A history of pulmonary embolism with ongoing symptoms 
• Chest pressure, swelling, a fast heartbeat or lightheadedness or fainting 
• Fatigue that limits your daily life 
• Shortness of breath that does not improve 
• Test results (such as an echocardiogram scan, CT scan or lung scan) that suggest pulmonary hypertension 

How Interventional Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension Works 

Our specialists may recommend several tests to understand what caused your pulmonary hypertension and how far along it is. These results help guide next steps in your care. Your team may recommend PH catheterization testing, such as right heart catheterization, to measure pressure and guide next steps. Common tests include: 

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Pulmonary angiogram
• Right heart catheterization
• Ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q scan) 

Pulmonary Hypertension Care After Evaluation 

After testing is complete, your care team will review the results with you and discuss next steps. Based on your condition, this may include medication management, endovascular treatment or referral to specialized cardiovascular programs. If needed, we can connect you with experts in cardiac surgery or vascular surgery as part of a coordinated care plan. 

Why Choose Us for Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation

You receive care from a multidisciplinary team with experience in evaluating complex and advanced pulmonary hypertension cases.

As an academic medical center, we offer access to advanced diagnostic technology and evidence-based approaches.

Specialists in pulmonary hypertension, cardiovascular medicine, imaging and interventional medicine guide your evaluation.

Our care teams are committed to compassionate, attentive support and clear communication from your first visit through your next steps.