Pulmonary Hypertension

Overview

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where blood pressure from the lung to heart is high than the normal and it can cause several side effects which can be lethal. Usually it happens secondary to another lung or heart condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) initially while exercising and eventually while at rest, Fatigue, Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope), Chest pressure or pain, Swelling (edema) in your ankles or legs and eventually in your abdomen (ascites), Bluish color to your lips and skin (cyanosis), Racing pulse or heart palpitations

Common Causes

Pulmonary arterial hypertension, Left-sided heart disease, Lung disease, Chronic blood clots

Risk Factors

Young adult ( idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is more common in younger adults), Overweight, Family history of the disease, Illegal drugs such as cocaine , Certain appetite-suppressant medications, Living at a high altitude

Investigation Techniques

Echocardiogram, Chest X-ray, Electrocardiogram, Right heart catheterization, Blood tests, Computerized tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging, Pulmonary function test, Polysomnogram, Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan

Treatment and Prevention

Vasodilators, Endothelin receptor antagonists, Sildenafil and tadalafil, High-dose calcium channel blockers, Soluble guanylate cyclase (SGC) stimulator, Anticoagulants, Oxygen, Diuretics, Atrial septostomy

Psychological Issues

Stress, Anxiety