UCHealth Pulmonary Vascular Disease Clinic - University of Colorado Hospital

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia, also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formation in the skin, mucous membranes and various organs. In many cases, HHT is treatable and not life-threatening. HHT is caused by a genetic abnormality and is inheritable, with a 50 percent chance of a parent passing it on to a child. Approximately 90 percent of patients have an identifiable genetic abnormality through testing.

As one of only 20 HHT Centers of Excellence in North America, our hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia specialists work with the disorder on a daily basis and know how to recognize signs and symptoms. Our specialists are all familiar with HHT and work together to treat different aspects of the disease.

This one-of-a-kind program is dedicated to anyone suffering from altitude-related respiratory problems. We work to uncover the underlying issue from pulmonary vascular problems to congenital abnormalities and more. Once we know what we’re dealing with, we can provide you the treatment you need to get back on top.

Videos from our providers

How do you prevent altitude sickness? >

How do you treat altitude sickness? >

How do you know if you have altitude sickness? >

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where high pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood into the lungs causes a strain on the lungs and heart that can lead to serious problems. Our program offers care combined with leading-edge clinical expertise and active research for patients with the most severe pulmonary hypertension.

The pulmonary hypertension program at Anschutz is the longest-standing practice of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region and the only center with a Pulmonary Hypertension Center for Comprehensive Care accreditation – a unique designation held by only a limited number of hospitals. Many of the current therapies for pulmonary hypertension have come from the UCHealth program, which also offers patients opportunities to enroll in clinical trials.

Videos from our providers

What is pulmonary hypertension, and what are the symptoms? >

How do you diagnose and treat pulmonary hyptertension? >

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in the body. It then travels to a lung artery where it suddenly blocks blood flow.

Should you be diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, we have the only clinic in the Rocky Mountain region dedicated to treating them. We can provide you with both acute PEs and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) clinical expertise, as well as access to clinical trials.

Patients seen in the PE clinic will receive evaluation and recommendations regarding:

• The type and duration of anticoagulant therapy
• Risk assessment for further thrombotic events
• Impact of the blood clot on cardiac and exercise function
• Assessment of operability for CTEPH patients
• Assessment of need for pulmonary hypertension specific therapy for CTEPH patients
• Assessment and availability for new research medications for the treatment of PE and CTEPH

The doctors and staff at University of Colorado Hospital are happy to provide second opinions for patients who have had a PE or are diagnosed with CTEPH.

Videos from our providers

How do you get a pulmonary embolism? What does it feel like? >

How do you diagnose and treat a pulmonary embolism? >