Pulmonary hypertension (PH) refers to a group of conditions where the blood pressure in the lungs is raised due to narrowing of blood vessels in the lungs. It is a rare condition that affects approximately one in 20,000 people in the UK, unlike raised blood pressure (systemic hypertension), which is more common.
In a person with PH, the pulmonary arteries are less able to stretch and the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the lungs. If the heart has to work harder than usual over a long period of time (months or years), it begins to work less effectively.
The PH research team, led by Dr John Wort, includes consultants, senior academics, research nurses and other research staff.
Research areas
- The role of endothelin-1 and other pathways which narrow the blood vessels causing PH.
- The role of iron abnormalities in the development of PH.
- The importance of inflammatory mechanisms in the development and progression of PH.
- Treatment trials of new and existing medication for PH.
- The role of exercise in PH including the development of muscle weakness.