Pulmonary Hypertension Management in Mumbai, India
Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a serious condition where high blood pressure impacts the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart. It doesn’t just burden the lungs—it strains the heart, limits physical activity, and can greatly reduce quality of life. While often misunderstood, PH affects people across all age groups—from fragile newborns to older adults. Globally, the estimated prevalence of pulmonary hypertension is 15–50 cases per million in adults and 5–8 cases per million in children.
Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a distinguished pediatric cardiologist in Mumbai, says:
“Pulmonary hypertension can quietly erode daily function, often masked as fatigue or shortness of breath. Whether it’s a newborn with a congenital defect or an adult with progressive breathlessness, a timely diagnosis followed by a tailored treatment plan can transform lives.”
As Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a leading Pediatric Cardiologist in Mumbai, India, explains:
“Heart conditions in children are not always visible at birth, but early detection can be life-saving. A child’s heart health influences everything—from growth and development to learning and energy levels. Timely diagnosis and treatment ensure a healthier, more active childhood.”
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Not sure what pulmonary hypertension really means for you or your child? Let’s understand the condition in more detail.
Advanced Pulmonary Hypertension
Group 1 – Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Often idiopathic or genetic; can also occur with congenital heart disease.
Group 2 – PH due to Left Heart Disease: The most common form in adults, especially those with heart failure.
Group 3 – PH due to Lung Diseases: Seen in chronic lung conditions such as COPD or interstitial lung disease.
Group 4 – Chronic Thromboembolic PH (CTEPH): Caused by old, unresolved blood clots in the lungs.
Group 5 – PH with unclear or multifactorial causes: Associated with systemic disorders like sarcoidosis.
Early detection plays a vital role in slowing disease progression and improving survival.
Dr. Prashant Bobhate Explains the Diagnostic Process of Pulmonary Hypertension
Echocardiography (2D/3D):
A non-invasive, first-line imaging technique to evaluate heart pressure and function.
Cardiac Catheterization:
Confirms the diagnosis and measures pulmonary artery pressure directly.
Transesophageal Echo:
Offers a closer look at heart structures, especially when standard echo isn’t conclusive.
CT Scans & Pulmonary Function Tests:
Evaluate lung structure and function to identify root causes.
Blood Tests & Genetic Screening:
Rule out autoimmune or hereditary causes.
Who Should Seek Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment?
People (of any age) should consider evaluation for pulmonary hypertension if they experience persistent symptoms such as:
Unexplained shortness of breath
Fatigue or dizziness during routine activities
Chest discomfort or pressure
Fainting spells (especially during exertion)
Swelling in the legs or abdomen
At-Risk Groups Include:
Children with Congenital Heart Disease
Adults with Left Heart Dysfunction
Individuals with Chronic Lung Conditions like COPD, interstitial lung disease, or sleep apnea
People with a Family History of PH
Patients with Autoimmune or Connective Tissue diseases such as scleroderma or lupus
Those with a History of Blood Clots or Pulmonary Embolism
Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a top pulmonary hypertension doctor in Mumbai, advises:
“The earlier we detect pulmonary hypertension, the better the prognosis. For children, it can mean the difference between normal development and lifelong complications. For adults, it can mean improved energy, independence, and longevity.”
Treatment Plans by Dr. Prashant Bobhate
Treatment strategies for pulmonary hypertension are carefully tailored based on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s age and overall health.
1. Medications to Reduce Pulmonary Artery Pressure
- Endothelin Receptor Antagonists – Improve blood flow by relaxing the vessels. Common options include bosentan, ambrisentan, and macitentan.
- Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil) – Reduce pulmonary pressure and improve exercise tolerance.
- Prostacyclin Analogues – Used in advanced cases to open blood vessels and prevent clots.
- Calcium Channel Blockers – For specific types of PH that respond well to vasodilators.
- Activin Receptor Antagonists (e.g., sotatercept) – A newer class showing promise in treating pulmonary hypertension by targeting underlying vascular remodeling.
- Potts Shunt Procedures – Surgical options for select pediatric patients with severe PAH.
- Inhaled Nitric Oxide – Used in neonatal and pediatric cases to dilate pulmonary vessels.
- ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) – Temporarily supports heart and lung function during crises.
- Balloon Atrial Septostomy – Creates a controlled opening in the heart to reduce pressure.
- Catheter-Based Diagnostics and Interventions – Performed with minimal invasiveness for quicker recovery.
- Oxygen Therapy – Helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood.
- Diuretics – Reduces fluid buildup in patients with heart-related complications.
- Anticoagulants – Prevent blood clots, especially in CTEPH patients.
“We aim for more than just clinical stability—we aim to give each patient a future filled with possibility,” says Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a leading pulmonary hypertension cardiologist in Mumbai. “With today’s technology and personalized plans, even the most complex cases can achieve meaningful improvements.”
Lifestyle and Long-Term Care for Pulmonary Hypertension Patients
Managing PH isn’t just about medications or interventions—it’s about sustained changes in lifestyle that promote better heart and lung health.
Key Long-Term Strategies:
Stay active but avoid overexertion. Light walking or gentle yoga may help maintain endurance without strain.
Adopt a Low-Sodium Diet to reduce fluid retention and ease the workload on the heart.
Avoid High Altitudes as lower oxygen levels can worsen symptoms.
Stay Vaccinated as Flu and pneumonia can severely stress the heart-lung system in PH patients.
Manage Mental Health as Anxiety and depression are common in chronic illnesses.
PH can become life-threatening during pregnancy. Contraceptive counseling may be required.
Dr. Prashant Bobhate, often called the Best pulmonary hypertension doctor in Mumbai, notes:
“Lifestyle plays a powerful role in maintaining stability. The best outcomes come from combining medical therapy with daily habits that support the body and spirit.”
Why Choose Dr. Prashant Bobhate for Pulmonary Hypertension Care in Mumbai?
Dr. Prashant Bobhate stands among the top pulmonary hypertension doctors in Mumbai, known for his dual expertise in adult and pediatric cardiology. Here’s why patients and families across Mumbai trust Dr. Bobhate:
Dr. Bobhate pioneered Western India’s first specialized clinic for pulmonary hypertension at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. This center serves as a regional hub, offering advanced diagnostics and treatment to over 400 patients and growing.
From 2D/3D echocardiography to cardiac catheterization, he uses state-of-the-art tools to accurately assess heart and lung function, reducing diagnostic delays.
His expertise has earned him multiple national and international awards, including honors from the Pediatric Cardiac Society of India and the European Pediatric Cardiac Conference.
Dr. Bobhate treats beyond the disease—he supports families through the emotional challenges of long-term illness and helps patients live as fully and independently as possible.
Being a Senior Consultant at Kokilaben Hospital’s Children’s Heart Centre allows him access to a broad spectrum of specialists, from pulmonologists and intensivists to nutritionists and physiotherapists, ensuring seamless care.
Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a respected pediatric heart specialist in Mumbai, reflects:
“Our job is to guide each patient gently but confidently through that journey, offering expertise, encouragement, and continuity of care at every stage. From the moment symptoms appear to long-term follow-up, we ensure no patient ever feels alone or overwhelmed. Every treatment decision is made with both clinical insight and heartfelt understanding.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pulmonary hypertension treatable?
What foods should you avoid with pulmonary hypertension?
Diet plays a supportive role in managing PH. Certain foods can aggravate symptoms or interact with medications.
Avoid:
- High-sodium foods
- Processed foods
- Caffeinated beverages
- Alcohol
A balanced, low-sodium diet rich in whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and adequate hydration is generally recommended.
What are the new treatments for pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension research continues to evolve, and newer therapies are showing promise in improving outcomes.
Recent advancements include:
- Targeted drugs that improve vascular tone
- Inhaled therapies with fewer systemic side effects
- Combination therapy to act on different pathways for improved results
- Surgical interventions like the Potts shunt, especially in children with suprasystemic pulmonary pressure
How to reduce PAH?
Reducing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) involves a combination of medical, lifestyle, and sometimes surgical strategies.
- Start treatment as soon as PH is suspected
- Stick to prescribed medications
- Manage Underlying Conditions like congenital heart defects or sleep apnea
- Low-Intensity Exercise can help build stamina
- Avoid Smoking and Toxins
Regular follow-up and tailored management play a critical role in slowing disease progression.
What kind of doctor diagnoses pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonologist: Especially if PH stems from lung conditions like COPD or interstitial lung disease.
Cardiologist: Particularly those with experience in right heart function or congenital heart disease.
Pediatric Cardiologist: For children with suspected congenital or idiopathic causes.