What is pulmonary hypertension (PH)?
Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disorder that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart, making it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels. As a result, the blood pressure in these arteries — called pulmonary arteries — rises far above normal levels. This abnormally high pressure strains the right ventricle of the heart, causing it to expand in size.
In one form of pulmonary hypertension, called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), blood vessels in the lungs are narrowed, blocked or destroyed.
Causes
The following are some known causes of pulmonary hypertension:
- Liver diseases, rheumatic disorders, lung conditions (like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, tumors and emphysema)
- Certain heart disease (like valve disease, congenital heart disease)
- Thromboembolic disease (a blood clot in a large pulmonary artery)
- Low-oxygen conditions (like obesity, high altitude living, sleep apnea)
- Genetics
Symptoms
With pulmonary hypertension, signs and symptoms develop slowly. Some may notice after months or even years. The symptoms get worse as the disease progresses.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath (while exercising and while at rest)
- Dizziness
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fatigue
- Swelling in ankles, legs and eventually the abdomen
- Bluish color to the lips and skin
- Pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is hard to diagnose early because it’s not often detected during a routine physical exam. Even when the condition is more advanced, its signs and symptoms are similar to those of other heart and lung conditions.
Certain tests may be ordered by your pulmonologist to diagnose pulmonary hypertension, such as:
- Blood test
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Right heart catheterization
- Computerized tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Lung (pulmonary) function test
- Sleep study (polysomnogram)
- Open-lung biopsy
In some people, pulmonary hypertension slowly gets worse and can be life-threatening. Although there’s no cure for some types of pulmonary hypertension, treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment is given for the underlying cause whenever possible.
Treatment varies by patient, based on the different underlying causes, but generally includes:
Taking medications
medications to treat underlying cause of pulmonary hypertension
Making lifestyle and dietary changes
quit smoking, maintain healthy weight, avoid alcohol, healthy diet
Having surgery, if necessary
pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, lung transplantation, heart/lung transplant
Seeing your doctor regularly
maintain close contact with your healthcare providers for regular checkups
NEED CONSULTING/TREATMENT FOR PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN AHMEDABAD?
CALL US OR DROP A MESSAGE
[Source (Banner Image): https://unsplash.com/photos/3hTQWOv0yjQ]