Pulmonary vascular hypertension
Published on 21 May 2025
The Pulmonary Vascular Service provides therapeutic benefits to patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. Advice is also given in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease in children and adults.
The service is delivered across two sites: the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow.
What is pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs. The rise in blood pressure can cause reduced blood flow through the lungs and arteries, eventually weakening the heart muscle.
As the main symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are non-specific, diagnosis is only made at the end of a five day inpatient assessment. The results of the assessment determine which therapies or surgical intervention are appropriate.
The service provides inpatient assessment, diagnosis, specialised treatment and outpatient follow-up management including emergency inpatient care provision.
Further information about the Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit is available on the Golden Jubilee National Hospital website.