Pulmonary Hypertension Specialist in India for Expert Care
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. It is confirmed when the average pressure in these arteries is above 20 mmHg at rest. PH makes the right side of the heart work harder. There are five types, and pulmonary hypertension treatment depends on the type, how advanced it is, and the patient’s age.
Dr Prashant Bobhate leads the pulmonary hypertension programme at the Children’s Heart Centre, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. He cares for patients at every age, from newborns in intensive care to adults living with long-term PH. Families and referring doctors from across India and neighbouring countries come to the clinic for diagnosis, second opinions, advanced therapies, and long-term care.
“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.
What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure rises inside the blood vessels of the lungs, so the right side of the heart has to pump harder to push blood through them.
Your heart has two sides. The right side sends blood to the lungs to collect oxygen. The left side then pumps that oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The lungs normally work at low pressure, so the right side of the heart is built for a lighter workload.
In pulmonary hypertension, the lung blood vessels become narrow, stiff, or blocked, or pressure backs up into them from the left side of the heart. Either way, pressure in the lungs rises. The right side of the heart works harder to keep blood moving, and over time it can enlarge and tire. This is why early diagnosis and the right pulmonary hypertension treatment make such a difference.
Pulmonary hypertension is more common than many people expect. The US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimates that about 1% of people worldwide have pulmonary hypertension. It affects all ages, including newborns, children, and adults.
What is the difference between pulmonary hypertension and PAH?
| Pulmonary hypertension (PH) | Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | High pressure in the lung arteries from any cause | A disease of the small lung arteries themselves |
| Types covered | All five groups | Group 1 only |
| Common causes | Heart disease, lung disease, blood clots, and others | Unknown cause, inherited genes, congenital heart disease, connective tissue disease, and others |
| How it is confirmed | Right heart catheterisation | Right heart catheterisation, which also shows normal pressure on the left side of the heart |
| Main treatment | Treating the cause | PAH-specific medicines, procedures in advanced cases |
What Causes Pulmonary Hypertension? The Five Types Explained
| Group | Main Causes | Who It Often Affects | Treatment Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) | Unknown cause (idiopathic), inherited genes, congenital heart disease, connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma or lupus, liver disease with portal hypertension, HIV, and certain drugs and toxins. | Children and adults of any age. | PAH-specific medicines and procedures in advanced cases. |
| Group 2: Left Heart Disease | Heart failure, stiff heart muscle, and mitral or aortic valve disease. | Mostly older adults. | Treating the underlying heart condition. |
| Group 3: Lung Disease or Low Oxygen | COPD, interstitial lung disease, sleep apnoea, and long stays at high altitude. | Adults with chronic lung conditions. | Treating the lung condition and oxygen therapy. |
| Group 4: Blood Clots and Blockages in the Lung Arteries (CTEPH) | Old blood clots that have not dissolved and other blockages in the lung arteries. | Adults with a history of blood clots. | Surgery, balloon angioplasty, medicines, and blood thinners. |
| Group 5: Unclear or Multiple Causes | Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, sarcoidosis, long-term kidney failure, and some metabolic disorders. | Varies depending on the underlying condition. | Treating the underlying condition. |
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.
What Are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension?
The most common pulmonary hypertension symptoms are breathlessness during activity, tiredness, dizziness, chest discomfort, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. In babies and children, the signs can look different, such as poor feeding or slow weight gain.
Early pulmonary hypertension symptoms are often mild and look like everyday tiredness, so a specialist assessment helps confirm the cause sooner.
| Early Symptoms | Later Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Breathlessness with stairs, walking, or exercise | Breathlessness with light activity or at rest |
| Tiredness and low energy | Fainting or near-fainting, especially with effort |
| Dizziness during activity | Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen |
| Chest discomfort or pressure | Bluish lips or fingertips |
| A racing or pounding heartbeat | — |
Symptoms in adults and signs in children
| Adults | Babies and Children |
|---|---|
| Shortness of breath on exertion | Fast breathing, or breathing hard while feeding |
| Fatigue during routine tasks | Poor feeding and sweating during feeds |
| Dizziness or fainting | Slow weight gain or growth |
| Chest pressure | Tiring quickly while playing |
| Leg or abdominal swelling | Bluish colour of the lips or skin |
| Fainting during play or exercise | — |
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.