Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension describes persistently elevated blood pressure in the vessels that carry blood through the lungs. This increased pressure makes it harder for the right side of the heart to push blood forward, and over time the heart muscle may struggle to keep up with the extra work. Owners often arrive at this page because their dog or cat has been coughing, tiring more easily during walks or play, breathing faster than usual, or occasionally collapsing. In some cases, pulmonary hypertension is discovered during investigation of another condition affecting the heart or lungs. The signs can develop gradually and may be subtle at first. This page explores what pulmonary hypertension can look like in daily life, what may be happening in the heart and lung vessels, how the condition is identified through examination and imaging, and the range of approaches that exist to support affected animals.