Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. This rare and fatal disease, it is difficult for the blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. PH deteriorates over time, and it affects men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds
High blood pressure in the lungs places additional stress on the right side of your heart -. And puts you at risk of heart failure and left heart disease, among other conditions.
The most common symptoms of PH is shortness of breath on exertion, and it worsens over time.
Types of pulmonary hypertension
- pulmonary hypertension is a term commonly used to describe high blood pressure in the lungs, resulting from any cause.
- pulmonary hypertension is a chronic disease that causes the arteries of the lungs to tighten, narrowing the blood flow. Over time, this condition can cause the heart to enlarge and become less flexible. Pulmonary hypertension can be genetic or associated with another disease or condition such as congenital heart disease or HIV.
Pulmonary hypertension Symptoms
PH change the cells lining the pulmonary arteries.
People with PH may be noted that the normal physical activities become difficult. They can also experience some of these symptoms:
- Vertigo
- Fatigue
- cough or chest pain
- Distribute
- Inability to lay flat without being short of breath
- Swelling of the ankles or abdomen
causes of pulmonary hypertension
hypertension lung may be caused by a variety of different conditions that affect all blood pressure. The causes of PH include:
- Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as rheumatoid arthritis sclerodermaand
- Congenital malformations of the heart, heart failure, or a disease heart valves
- blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), or other lung diseases such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
- HIV infection
- chronic low oxygen levels in the blood for a long time
- Some drugs
- Genetics
risk factors
These risk factors can make you more likely to develop PH:
- family history of PH
- obesity
- sleep apnea
- Pregnancy
- the presence of certain drugs in your body, such as methamphetamines
- Living at high altitude
How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?
Although it is a relatively rare disease, it is important to make an early and accurate diagnosis. If untreated, PH can lead to right heart failure and increased risk of death.
The only way to be sure of a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is to consult your doctor or a specialist pulmonologist in the treatment of lung diseases.
The treatment of pulmonary hypertension
Although treatment options for pulmonary hypertension are limited, doctors are able to control symptoms and minimize lung damage . Common treatments include medications taken orally, through the nose, or administered intravenously.
If the drug fails to control symptoms, heart and lung transplantation may be considered.
Lifestyle Changes for pulmonary arterial hypertension
If you have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, it is important to work closely with your health care provider.
- know the names of your medications and take them as directed. Always consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines.
- You may want to consult a dietitian. Those with pulmonary hypertension should be sure to eat foods rich in potassium, fiber and magnesium. They should limit their consumption of table salt and refined sugars and stay away from fast food.
- If you are overweight, your doctor will probably recommend a weight loss diet. You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities too. Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol.
Living with pulmonary hypertension
For more information on pulmonary arterial hypertension or to schedule an appointment with a specialist in pulmonary arterial hypertension, call 412-648-6161 , or 1-877-PH4-UPMC or by email PHprogram@upmc.edu.
Visit program web page full UPMC Pulmonary hypertension without charge for more information.
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