Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension Exertional dyspnea Initial confirmation: Chest x-ray, ECG, and echocardiography Identification of underlying disorder: Spirometry, ventilation / perfusion scanning or CT angiography, high-resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest, pulmonary function testing, polysomnography, HIV testing, complete blood count, liver tests, and autoantibody testing Confirmation of the diagnosis and gauging severity: Pulmonary artery (right heart) catheterization Additional studies to determine severity: 6-minute walk distance and plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) or BNP Pulmonary hypertension is suspected in patients with significant exertional dyspnea who are otherwise relatively healthy and have no history or signs of other disorders known to cause pulmonary symptoms.