Pulmonary Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disorder in which the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs become narrowed, 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. Overworked and enlarged, the right ventricle gradually becomes weaker and loses its ability to pump enough blood to the lungs. This could lead to the development of right heart failure.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs in individuals of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds although it is much more common in young adults and is approximately twice as common in women as in men.

Cause for the pulmonary arteries narrow

Scientists believe that the process starts with injury to the layer of cells that line the small blood vessels of the lungs. This injury, which occurs for unknown reasons, may cause changes in the way these cells interact with the smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall. As a result, the smooth muscle contracts more than normal and narrows the vessel.

The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension-

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension do not usually occur until the condition has progressed. The first symptom of pulmonary hypertension is usually shortness of breath with everyday activities, such as climbing stairs. Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting spells also can be symptoms. Swelling in the ankles, abdomen or legs; bluish lips and skin, and chest pain may occur as strain on the heart increases. Symptoms range in severity and a given patient may not have all of the symptoms.

In more advanced stages of the disease, even minimal activity will produce some of the symptoms. Additional symptoms include irregular heart beat (palpitations or strong, throbbing sensation), racing pulse, passing out or dizziness, progressive shortness of breath during exercise or activity, and difficulty breathing at rest. Eventually, it may become difficult to carry out any activities as the disease worsens.

Causes pulmonary hypertension-

Pulmonary hypertension also can occur as a result of other medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis; rheumatic disorders such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus); and lung conditions including tumors, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.

Heart diseases including aortic valve disease, left heart failure, mitral valve disease, and congenital heart disease can also cause pulmonary hypertension.

A blood clot in a large pulmonary artery can result in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Low-oxygen conditions. High altitude living, obesity, and sleep apnea can also lead to the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Genetic predisposition. Pulmonary hypertension is inherited in a small number of cases. Knowing that someone in the family had or has pulmonary hypertension should prompt you to seek early evaluation should symptoms occur.

Pulmonary hypertension may also be caused by other conditions, and in some cases, the cause is unknown.

Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension -

Because pulmonary hypertension may be caused by many medical conditions, a complete medical history, physical exam, and description of your symptoms are necessary to rule out other diseases and make the correct diagnosis. During the physical exam, your health care provider will:

• listen for abnormal heart sounds such as a loud pulmonic valve sound, a systolic murmur of tricuspid regurgitation, or a gallop due to ventricular failure.
• examine the jugular vein in the neck for engorgement.
• examine the abdomen, legs, and ankles for fluid retention.
• examine nail beds for bluish tint.
• look for signs of other underlying diseases that might be causing pulmonary hypertension.

• Doppler echo-cardiogram: Uses sound waves to show the function of the right ventricle, to measure blood flow through the heart valves, and then calculate the systolic pulmonary artery pressure.

• Chest X-ray: Shows an enlarged right ventricle and enlarged pulmonary arteries.
• 6 minute walk test: Determines exercise tolerance level and blood oxygen saturation level during exercise.
• Pulmonary function tests: Evaluates for other lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis among others.
• Polysomnogram or overnight oximetry: Screens for sleep apnea (results in low oxygen levels at night).
• Right heart catheterization: Measures various heart pressures (ie, inside the pulmonary arteries, coming from the left side of the heart), the rate at which the heart is able to pump blood, and finds any leaks between the right and left sides of the heart.
• Ventilation perfusion scan (V/Q scan): Looks for evidence of blood clots along the pathway to the lungs.
• Pulmonary angiogram: Looks for blood clot blockages in the pulmonary arteries.
• Chest CT scan: Looks for blood clots and other lung conditions that may be contributing to or worsening pulmonary hypertension.

Treatment for pulmonary hypertension-

Appropriate diagnosis and analysis of the problem is necessary before starting any treatment. Treatment varies per individual based on the different underlying causes but generally includes taking medications; making lifestyle and dietary changes; having surgery, if necessary; and seeing your doctor regularly. 

Medications

Many different types of medications are available to treat pulmonary hypertension. Treatment choices, depend on the severity of pulmonary hypertension, the likelihood of progression, and individual drug tolerance.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com