Pulmonary Hypertension
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about Pulmonary Hypertension.
What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, but specifically in the pulmonary arteries, which are the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs.
What are the symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension?
- The symptoms are usually related to low oxygen levels in the blood, such as:
- Difficulty and shortness of breath.
- Palpitations.
- Fatigue.
Dizziness.
What are the causes of Pulmonary Hypertension?
- Certain diseases and factors can cause or increase the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, such as:
- Genetics and heredity.
- High blood pressure.
- Congenital heart defects.
- Coronary artery disease.
- Heart failure.
- Venous thrombosis (pulmonary embolism).
- Chronic lung diseases.
- Pulmonary emphysema.
Liver cirrhosis.
How is it diagnosed?
- The doctor takes the medical history and conducts a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:
- Electrocardiogram.
- Echocardiography.
- Chest X-ray.
- Pulmonary function test.
Diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
What are the treatment methods for Pulmonary Hypertension?
- Treatment involves various procedures or as needed, which may include:
- Treating the underlying problem or secondary cause.
- Blood thinners and anticoagulants.
- Medications to reduce fluid accumulation, such as diuretics.
- Vasodilators.
- Oxygen therapy.
- Managing chronic diseases.
Surgery.
How can Pulmonary Hypertension be prevented?
- While it is not possible to prevent types that may be genetically caused, generally, you can take steps to prevent and live with pulmonary hypertension by:
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly to stimulate circulation, maintaining an ideal weight, and avoiding inactivity, obesity, and smoking.
- Controlling chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and coronary artery diseases, as well as chronic liver and lung diseases.
Taking care of mental health and managing stress and anxiety.
What are the complications of Pulmonary Hypertension?
Complications are related to the heart, as pulmonary hypertension decreases oxygen in the blood, thereby reducing the blood supply to most organs of the body, increasing pressure on the heart, and leading to heart failure in advanced stages of the disease.
When should you see a doctor?
- If these symptoms appear:
- A rapid heart rate (120 beats per minute).
- Respiratory infection or a worsening cough.
- Persistent dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Episodes of chest pain or discomfort during physical activity.
- Extreme fatigue or decreased ability to perform your usual activities.
- Nausea or loss of appetite.
- Insomnia.
- Worsening shortness of breath, especially if you wake up feeling out of breath.
- Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen is getting worse.
Difficulty breathing with normal activities or at rest.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Pulmonary Hypertension a chronic disease?
- Yes, and it requires regular follow-up with a specialist in pulmonary diseases for routine monitoring of disease progression, maintaining oxygen levels in the blood by taking medications, and practicing healthy habits such as not smoking to avoid complications.
Is the commonly known high blood pressure the same as pulmonary hypertension?
