Which symptom is typical of pulmonary hypertension?

• A. Dyspnea on exertion
• B. SOB during regular activity
• C. Non-productive cough
• D. Tachypnea

Answer: (B)

Exertional shortness of breath is the hallmark symptom of pulmonary hypertension. When the pulmonary arteries are constricted or stiffened, the right ventricle has to work harder to push blood through the lungs. This increased afterload limits the heart’s ability to raise output during activity, so even ordinary daily activities trigger breathlessness. That is why shortness of breath during regular activity best fits the typical presentation.

A non-productive cough can occur but is less specific to PH, and tachypnea may be present in distress but isn’t as characteristic, especially early on. The key idea is that reduced exercise tolerance due to exertional dyspnea is the most consistent early sign of pulmonary hypertension.