Cardiovascular Diseases in Minnesota

Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic

Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the heart and lungs) can develop on its own or can stem from diseases and chronic conditions, including:

• Connective tissue disease (lupus, scleroderma)
• Emphysema
• Liver disease that causes cirrhosis
• Congenital heart disease
• HIV
• Blood clots in the lungs
• Toxic exposures (i.e., Fen-Phen)
• Heart failure

If left untreated, half of all patients with symptomatic pulmonary hypertension may die within three years; therefore, it is vitally important for affected patients to get expert care in order to keep symptoms in check and to prolong life. Mayo Clinic's Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic provides skilled diagnosis, individual treatment plans and thorough follow-up care.

Expert Team

The Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic staff has extensive experience in clinical research and treatment of pulmonary hypertension, and Mayo is regarded worldwide as a center of excellence for treatment of the condition. Several leaders of the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic also are closely associated with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, the premier group for disease advocacy, research and education.

If questions arise, Mayo physicians have a built-in second opinion in their colleagues; and, when care for an associated condition is necessary, physicians collaborate with other specialties within Mayo to ensure cohesive care of the highest quality.

Continuous Support

Both the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension are complicated processes. The team of physicians and nurses in the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic works together to act as patients' first line of defense against complications. After a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is made, a physician works with the nursing staff and patient to formulate a treatment plan. This plan may involve complex medical therapies such as continuous intravenous (IV) medications through an indwelling catheter, inhaled medications and medications by mouth. A nurse provides comprehensive education on managing the medications and what to do if a complication develops. In addition, a staff physician and nurse are available on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide support and direction to patients. Nurses and physicians provide ongoing consultation for medications and psychosocial issues, direction for ongoing treatment, and information about research opportunities. The Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic staff also partners with primary and/or local physicians for continuing care.

Tradition of Innovative Clinical Research

Historically, Mayo Clinic has been involved in clinical studies that have led to every currently approved medication for pulmonary hypertension, and that tradition continues today. A new treatment currently being tested in clinical trials is an implantable hemodynamic monitor, a device that continuously measures pulmonary pressure. The clinic also is involved in multiple clinical trials for what may become tomorrow's breakthrough medications. For patients, the research tradition means in-depth expertise from the physicians studying these new treatments, but also unprecedented opportunities to participate in the research  --  putting them first in line for the latest therapies.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment with the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic, please call 507-284-3994. If you have questions or would like more information about the services offered at the clinic, please call 507-284-1792.

Staff

Robert P. Frantz, M.D. – Clinical Director
Brooks S. Edwards, M.D.
Michael J. Krowka, M.D.
Sudhir S. Kushwaha, M.D.
Robert B. McCully, M.D.
Michael D. McGoon, M.D.
Joseph G. Murphy, M.D.
Karen L. Swanson, D.O.
Cathy J. Anderson-Severson, BSN
Louise A. Durst, RN
Susan K. Tointon, RN
Kirsten J. Fleming
Theresa A. Kuhn