Treatments for Pulmonary Hypertension

There is no single cure for pulmonary hypertension (PH), but there are many treatments that can help you breathe easier, feel better, and stay more active. Your treatment plan depends on the type of PH you have, your symptoms, and your overall health.

This page explains the different treatments in clear, simple language so you can better understand your options.

What Treatments Do — and Why They Matter

Because PH makes the blood vessels in your lungs narrow or stiff, it becomes harder for blood to flow through them, and your heart must work harder. Treatments help by:

Relaxing and opening the lung blood vessels
Reducing fluid buildup and swelling
Preventing or treating blood clots
Helping the heart and lungs work together more smoothly
Improving breathing, energy, and quality of life

Many people need a combination of treatments to manage PH effectively.

Treatments That Relax Lung Blood Vessels

(PAH-Specific Medications)

These medications help open the blood vessels in the lungs so blood can move more easily. They are commonly used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Endothelin Receptor Antagonists (ERAs)

These medicines block endothelin, a chemical that makes lung blood vessels tighten.

They can:

Relax and open narrowed blood vessels
Lower pressure inside the lungs
Improve breathing and activity levels

Examples: bosentan, ambrisentan, macitentan

PDE-5 Inhibitors / sGC Stimulator (Riociguat)

These medicines help the lungs use a natural chemical called nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels.

They can:

Help lung blood vessels widen
Improve blood flow
Support exercise ability and reduce symptoms

Examples:

PDE-5 Inhibitors: sildenafil, tadalafil
sGC Stimulator: riociguat

Prostacyclin Pathway Therapies (Prostanoids)

These treatments replace or boost prostacyclin, a natural substance that helps keep lung blood vessels open and reduces inflammation.

They can:

Strongly relax lung arteries
Improve blood flow
Reduce pressure on the right side of the heart
Improve ability to be active

They come in different forms:

IV or subcutaneous infusion: epoprostenol, treprostinil
Inhaled therapies: iloprost, inhaled treprostinil
Oral medications: selexipag, oral treprostinil

Your PH specialist will choose the form that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Activin Signaling Inhibitor (Sotatercept)

Sotatercept is a newer treatment that works by blocking signals that cause lung blood vessels to thicken and tighten. This helps rebalance how cells grow inside the vessels.

It can:

Lower pressure in the lungs
Improve how far people can walk
Reduce strain on the heart
Work well when added to other PAH medications

Most people who take sotatercept use it along with other PAH medicines.

Additional Treatments

These treatments support your heart, lungs, and overall health.

Diuretics (Water Pills)

Help remove extra fluid from the body, reduce swelling, and ease pressure on the heart.

Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

Help prevent or treat blood clots. These may be recommended for certain kinds of PH.

Oxygen Therapy

Gives your body extra oxygen if your levels are low. Oxygen can help you feel better, have more energy, and sleep more comfortably.

Learn More About Oxygen

Heart Support Medications

In certain types of PH, some people may need medications that help the heart work more effectively or reduce extra fluid in the body. These treatments do not directly treat pulmonary hypertension, but they support your heart and can help improve symptoms.

Examples include:

SGLT-2 inhibitors (such as empagliflozin or dapagliflozin), which can help the heart pump more efficiently and support kidney function.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (such as spironolactone or eplerenone), which help reduce fluid buildup and lessen strain on the heart.

Your PH specialist will decide whether these medications may be helpful based on your type of PH, symptoms and overall health.

Lifestyle and Wellness Support

Lifestyle changes can make a real difference in how you feel with PH. Helpful steps may include:

Following a safe, PH specialist-guided exercise program
Eating a balanced diet with less salt
Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
Getting regular sleep
Managing stress
Creating routines that match your energy levels

These day-to-day habits work best when paired with medical treatment.

What Treatment Depends On

Your treatment plan will be based on:

The type of PH you have
How severe your PH is
Your test results
Your other medical conditions
Your personal health goals

PH care is personalized — no two people receive the same plan.

What PH Treatment Can — and Can’t — Do

Treatment Can:

Help you breathe easier
Improve your energy and activity level
Reduce swelling
Lower pressure in the lungs
Ease strain on your heart
Improve quality of life

Treatment Cannot:

Cure PH
Guarantee the same results for everyone
Prevent all symptoms

Treatment works best when you stay in close contact with your PH care team.

Working with Your PH Care Team

You and your team are partners. You can get the most from your treatment plan by:

Asking questions about each treatment
Tracking symptoms and side effects
Attending follow-up appointments and testing
Sharing any changes, even small ones
Talking about your goals for daily life, work, and activity

Your team’s goal is to help you live with as much comfort, confidence, and stability as possible.

Explore Living Well With PH

Treatments for Pulmonary Hypertension

There is no single cure for pulmonary hypertension (PH), but there are many treatments that can help you breathe easier, feel better, and stay more active. Your treatment plan depends on the type of PH you have, your symptoms, and your overall health.

What Treatments Do — and Why They Matter

Treatments That Relax Lung Blood Vessels

Additional Treatments

Lifestyle and Wellness Support

What Treatment Depends On

What PH Treatment Can — and Can’t — Do

Working with Your PH Care Team

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