What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic condition in which the arteries in the lungs become narrowed, stiff, or blocked, increasing the pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This forces the right side of the heart to work harder, potentially leading to heart failure if untreated.
PH can develop due to various underlying health conditions or occur without a known cause (idiopathic pulmonary hypertension).
Types of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is classified into different types based on its cause:
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): A rare, progressive disease affecting the small arteries in the lungs.
- PH Due to Left Heart Disease: Caused by conditions like heart failure, mitral valve disease, or high blood pressure.
- PH Due to Lung Diseases: Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to PH.
- Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH): Caused by long-term blood clots in the lungs.
Causes & Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to pulmonary hypertension:
- Heart conditions (e.g., left heart disease, heart failure, valve disorders)
- Lung diseases (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis)
- Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Genetic predisposition (family history of PH)
- Certain medications and drugs (appetite suppressants, methamphetamines)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., scleroderma, lupus)
- Living at high altitudes (chronic low oxygen levels)
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
Early symptoms may be mild, but as PH progresses, they become more severe:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity
- Fatigue & weakness
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen (edema)
- Cyanosis (bluish skin/lips) due to low oxygen levels
- Fainting (syncope), especially after exertion
⚠️ Severe cases can lead to heart failure. Seek medical attention if experiencing these symptoms.
How is Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosed?
Doctors use several tests to diagnose and assess the severity of PH:
- Physical Examination & Medical History – Checking for heart murmurs, swelling, and breathing difficulties.
- Echocardiogram (Echo): Imaging to evaluate heart function and measure pulmonary artery pressure.
- Chest X-ray: Identifies lung abnormalities or heart enlargement.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects heart rhythm issues.
- Blood Tests: Checks for autoimmune diseases and clotting disorders.
- Right Heart Catheterization (Gold Standard Test): Measures the actual pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
Treatment Options for Pulmonary Hypertension
While PH has no cure, treatment can manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
- Medications:
- Vasodilators (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil) to open blood vessels
- Diuretics to reduce swelling
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) for clot prevention
- Oxygen therapy for low oxygen levels
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Regular light exercise
- Maintaining a heart-healthy diet
- Limiting salt intake to prevent fluid retention
- Quitting smoking and avoiding high altitudes
- dvanced Treatments:
- Balloon atrial septostomy (surgery to improve oxygenation)
- Heart-lung transplant in severe cases