Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension Care in Grand Rapids, MI

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious condition that affects the blood vessels in your lungs and the right side of your heart. For residents of Grand Rapids and West Michigan, understanding pulmonary hypertension—and knowing where to get expert care—is essential for protecting long-term heart and lung health.

This guide explains pulmonary hypertension symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment, with a focus on resources and care options available in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your lungs (the pulmonary arteries). Unlike regular high blood pressure (systemic hypertension), pulmonary hypertension specifically affects the lung circulation and the right side of the heart.

Over time, the blood vessels in the lungs can become:

Narrowed
Stiff
Blocked or damaged

This makes it harder for blood to flow through the lungs, causing the right side of the heart to work harder. If not treated, pulmonary hypertension can lead to right-sided heart failure.

In Grand Rapids, pulmonary hypertension is typically evaluated and managed by cardiologists and pulmonologists at major health systems such as:

Spectrum Health (Corewell Health)
Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

Types of Pulmonary Hypertension

Doctors classify pulmonary hypertension into several groups based on the underlying cause. This helps guide treatment.

Main Groups of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
- Affects the small arteries in the lungs directly
- Can be idiopathic (no known cause), inherited, or linked to conditions like connective tissue disease or congenital heart disease
PH Due to Left Heart Disease
- Caused by problems with the left side of the heart, such as heart failure or valve disease
- Common in older adults and those with long-standing high blood pressure
PH Due to Lung Disease or Low Oxygen Levels
- Related to chronic lung conditions, including:
  - COPD
  - Interstitial lung disease
  - Sleep apnea (common in Michigan’s adult population)
- Long-term low oxygen levels cause lung vessels to constrict
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)
- Caused by old, organized blood clots in the lungs that never fully dissolved
- Potentially curable with surgery in selected patients
PH with Unclear or Multifactorial Causes
- Linked to several different conditions or medications
- Requires specialized evaluation at advanced centers

In Grand Rapids, complex cases of pulmonary hypertension are often referred to specialized heart and lung centers within Spectrum Health/Corewell Health or Trinity Health for advanced testing and treatment.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension can develop slowly, and early symptoms are often mild. Many West Michigan residents first notice symptoms during physical activity—especially in colder months, when breathing can feel more difficult.

Common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath, especially with activity
Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope)
Chest pain or pressure
Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen (fluid retention)
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Bluish color to lips or skin (cyanosis) in advanced cases

Because these symptoms can mimic asthma, COPD, or “just getting older,” it’s important for Grand Rapids residents to talk with a healthcare provider if breathing problems or fatigue are getting worse over time.

Who Is at Risk in Grand Rapids, MI?

While pulmonary hypertension can affect anyone, certain factors increase risk. In West Michigan, some local health patterns and lifestyle factors may contribute.

Risk Factors

Existing heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Valve problems
Chronic lung diseases
- COPD (more common among long-term smokers)
- Interstitial lung disease
- Untreated or poorly controlled sleep apnea
History of blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
Autoimmune or connective tissue diseases
- Scleroderma
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Liver disease
HIV infection
Use of certain medications or drugs
- Some appetite suppressants (older diet pills)
- Certain illegal drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamines
Family history of pulmonary arterial hypertension

In Michigan, cold winters can make breathing more difficult for people with underlying lung or heart disease. If you live in Grand Rapids and notice that winter weather or exertion in the cold makes your breathing much worse, discuss this with your doctor.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

New or worsening shortness of breath with normal daily activities
Swelling in your legs or ankles that doesn’t go away
Unexplained fatigue or weakness
Chest pain, especially with exertion
Dizziness or fainting

Emergency Care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) if you have:

Severe shortness of breath at rest
Chest pain that does not go away
Fainting spells
Sudden worsening swelling or rapid heartbeat

How Pulmonary Hypertension Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing pulmonary hypertension requires careful evaluation. Many tests are available through major Grand Rapids hospitals and cardiology/pulmonology clinics.

Common Diagnostic Tests

Physical exam and medical history
- Your provider will ask about symptoms, medical history, family history, and medications
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
- Often the first major test
- Estimates pressure in the pulmonary arteries
- Evaluates heart structure and function
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Measures electrical activity of the heart
- Looks for strain on the right side of the heart
Chest X-ray
- Checks heart size and lung appearance
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
- Measure lung capacity and airflow
- Help distinguish lung disease from other causes
CT scan or V/Q scan of the lungs
- Looks for blood clots or chronic damage in the lungs
Blood tests
- Check for autoimmune disease, liver problems, HIV, and other conditions
Right heart catheterization
- The gold standard for confirming pulmonary hypertension
- A thin tube is passed into the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries to measure pressures directly

Right heart catheterization and advanced imaging are available at specialized cardiac and pulmonary centers in Grand Rapids, including Spectrum Health/Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Treatment Options in Grand Rapids, MI

While pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition, many treatments can improve symptoms, slow progression, and enhance quality of life. Treatment plans are customized based on the type and severity of pulmonary hypertension and the patient’s overall health.

Lifestyle and Supportive Care

Activity modification
- Light to moderate activity as advised by your provider
- Avoid sudden, intense exertion
Healthy diet
- Low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention
- Heart-healthy eating patterns (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins)
Quit smoking
- Essential for anyone with lung or heart disease
- Smoking cessation programs are available through Spectrum Health, Metro Health, and the Kent County Health Department
Vaccinations
- Flu and pneumonia vaccines recommended to reduce respiratory infections
- Especially important in Michigan’s fall and winter seasons

Medications

Medications depend on the type of pulmonary hypertension and may include:

Diuretics (water pills) to reduce fluid buildup
Oxygen therapy for those with low blood oxygen levels
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) for some patients, especially with CTEPH or clotting risk
Pulmonary arterial hypertension–specific drugs, such as:
- Endothelin receptor antagonists
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors
- Prostacyclin analogues or prostacyclin receptor agonists
- Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators

These advanced medications are typically managed by specialists at pulmonary hypertension or advanced heart failure clinics in Grand Rapids.

Procedures and Advanced Therapies

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA)
- For selected patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Surgical pulmonary endarterectomy
- Removal of chronic blood clots in specialized centers (may require referral to a larger tertiary center outside West Michigan)
Lung or heart-lung transplant
- Considered for severe, advanced cases not responding to other treatments
- Patients in Grand Rapids may be evaluated locally and referred to regional transplant centers

Living With Pulmonary Hypertension in West Michigan

With proper treatment and follow-up, many people with pulmonary hypertension can lead active, meaningful lives. In Grand Rapids, coordinated care between cardiologists, pulmonologists, primary care providers, and rehabilitation specialists helps patients manage this chronic condition.

Everyday Tips for Grand Rapids Residents

Plan for winter weather
- Cold air can worsen shortness of breath—use a scarf or mask over your mouth and nose outdoors
- Avoid shoveling heavy snow, which can strain the heart and lungs
Monitor symptoms
- Track changes in weight, swelling, and breathing
- Report sudden changes to your healthcare team
Stay active safely
- Ask about cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation programs offered by local hospitals
- Gentle walking or indoor exercise can be safer during icy or very cold conditions
Attend regular follow-up visits
- Ongoing monitoring is essential to adjust treatment and catch complications early

Local Resources for Pulmonary Hypertension in Grand Rapids

Residents of Grand Rapids and Kent County have access to multiple healthcare systems and public health resources:

Spectrum Health / Corewell Health
- Advanced heart and lung programs
- Cardiology and pulmonology specialists
Trinity Health Grand Rapids
- Comprehensive cardiac services
- Pulmonary and sleep medicine clinics
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary care
Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
- Community-based primary and specialty care

Public Health and Support

Kent County Health Department
- Smoking cessation resources
- Vaccination clinics (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19)
- General chronic disease support
Grand Rapids–area support groups
- Heart and lung disease support groups (often hosted through hospital systems)
- Some groups may offer virtual meetings, especially helpful during winter months

Ask your primary care provider or specialist for referrals to local pulmonary hypertension specialists, rehabilitation programs, and community resources.

Preventing and Managing Risk in Grand Rapids

While not all cases of pulmonary hypertension can be prevented, you can lower your risk and protect your heart and lung health:

Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Treat sleep apnea and other breathing disorders
Maintain a healthy weight and stay active
Get recommended vaccines, especially before Michigan’s winter respiratory season
Seek prompt care for blood clots, chest pain, or unexplained shortness of breath