What is considered the gold standard for diagnosing Pulmonary Hypertension?

The gold standard for diagnosing Pulmonary Hypertension is right heart catheterization. This procedure involves the direct measurement of pressures in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries, providing definitive evidence of elevated pulmonary artery pressure, which is a hallmark of pulmonary hypertension.

Right heart catheterization allows healthcare providers to assess the severity of the condition, evaluate the response to treatments, and gather important hemodynamic data that cannot be obtained through non-invasive methods. It is considered the most accurate and reliable diagnostic tool for this condition, making it essential for confirming a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.

While echocardiography is a useful initial screening tool that can suggest pulmonary hypertension, it does not provide the precise pressure measurements necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Pulmonary function tests and D-dimer tests are also helpful in evaluating respiratory function and ruling out other conditions but do not specifically assess pulmonary artery pressures.