If you are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), Valley offers a comprehensive program to help diagnose and manage PAH, which could delay the progression of this condition.
The Valley Approach to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Valley’s Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension program consists of a multidisciplinary team, led by our pulmonary hypertension specialist. The team works together to create personalized, comprehensive plans to treat your PAH. Our program offers:
- Testing and treatment plan within 30 days of your initial appointment
- High-quality assessment using state-of-art resources
- A treatment plan based on the latest guidelines, tailored to meet your needs
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Diagnosis
PAH is diagnosed using a combination of tests, including:
- Echocardiography – Ultrasonography of the heart
- Right heart catheterization – A diagnostic imaging procedure to measure blood pressure and blood flow in the arteries of the lung
- Pulmonary function test – A series of tests to evaluate how well your lungs are functioning
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing – Bike exercise test to evaluate the functioning of the lungs and heart
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Treatment Options
Each patient in the Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Program receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to meet their needs. Valley values patient and family input into care approaches and tries to limit disease progression through regular checkups to manage this condition.
Oral Medical Management
There are different oral medications patients can take to manage their PAH. This can include:
- Calcium-channel blockers
- Endothelin receptor blocker
- Oral prostacyclin
- PDE5 inhibitors
Infusion Therapy
Depending on the severity of your PAH, you may be recommended for infusion therapy. This involves a subcutaneous (under the skin) continuous administration of a certain medication.
Injectable Therapy
Novel, once-a-month subcutaneous therapy for certain types of PAH.
Why Choose Valley for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Care?
- A team dedicated to you: At Valley, you’ll get team-based care from pulmonologists, cardiologists, heart failure specialists, pharmacists, rheumatologists, social workers, nutritionists, and others who meet regularly and evaluate as a team the optimal management for you and your family.
- Expertise in diagnosing and treating PAH: Our pulmonary hypertension specialist is experienced in treating patients with this condition early, as well as developing personalized management to help improve symptoms.
- A dedication to research: The Valley PAH team is involved in the latest novel research to provide patients with the newest management strategies and technologies for PAH management.
Meet Our Team
Ashish Rai, MD
Pulmonary Hypertension Specialist
Dr. Rai is a board-certified pulmonary and critical care medicine physician. He is experienced in diagnosing and managing patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension with oral, infusion, and injectable therapies. He is also experienced in performing advanced pulmonary and critical care procedures, such as right heart catheterization (pulmonary artery catheterization), cardiopulmonary exercise testing, bronchoscopy, and bedside echocardiography.
As a pulmonary hypertension specialist, Dr. Rai provides multidisciplinary care to patients with advanced lung or heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
A key aspect of Dr. Rai’s work includes collaborating with a team of pulmonologists, cardiologists, rheumatologists, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, social workers, nutritionists, and nursing staff to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Dr. Rai received his medical degree from Dr. D.Y. Patil School of Medicine in India. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Mass General Brigham-Salem Hospital in Massachusetts, and a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care at NYU Long Island Hospital.
