Pulmonary Hypertension Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Pulmonary hypertension is a type of increased blood pressure that involves the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart.
In one type of pulmonary hypertension, the small arteries in the lungs, called pulmonary arterioles, experience narrowing, blockage, or damage. This makes blood flow to the lungs more difficult, which increases pressure on the pulmonary arteries. As a result of this increased pressure, the right lower chamber of the heart, or right ventricle, has to pump blood harder to the lungs, which can cause heart muscle weakness.
Several types of pulmonary hypertension can cause serious conditions with progressive worsening. Treatment can help reduce signs and symptoms experienced and improve quality of life.
Symptom
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may not appear in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, signs and symptoms may begin to appear.
Some of the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are:
• Shortness of breath, at first only with activity, but can get worse to the point that shortness of breath can also occur at rest
• Feeling tired
• Dizzy spinning into fainting
• Pressure or pain in the chest
• Swelling of the ankles, legs, and abdomen
• Color bluish lips and skin
• Tremors
Reason
In pulmonary hypertension, the increase in blood pressure results from changes in the cells lining the pulmonary arteries. These changes can cause the walls of the pulmonary arteries to become thicker and stiffer, as well as the formation of excess tissue.
Blood vessels can also become inflamed. Changes that occur in the pulmonary arteries can reduce or inhibit blood flow through the blood vessels. This can make it harder for blood to flow, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
Pulmonary hypertension is divided into five groups, based on the cause, namely pulmonary hypertension with unknown cause, pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease, pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease, pulmonary hypertension due to chronic blood clots, and pulmonary hypertension due to other conditions, such as blood disorders. , metabolic disorders, or tumors.
Several factors are associated with an increased risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, including:
• Young adults, because raised blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries is most common in young adults
• Excess body weight
• Having a family member with a history of pulmonary hypertension
• Have one or more medical conditions that increase the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension
• Using illegal drugs, such as cocaine
• Consuming appetite suppressants
Diagnosis
In determining the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, the doctor can observe a person’s medical history and family history, ask about signs and symptoms experienced, and carry out a thorough physical examination. The doctor may also ask to carry out several investigations to diagnose pulmonary hypertension, determine the degree of severity of the condition being experienced, and determine the underlying cause.
Some of the checks that can be done include:
- Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to produce an image of the heart. Doctors can check the function of the heart chambers and the thickness of the heart walls through this examination.
- X-ray examination. X-rays can show images of the heart, lungs, and chest. From the imaging results, it can be seen if there is an enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart or pulmonary artery, which can occur in pulmonary hypertension.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG). This examination can show the electrical activity of the heart and detect any abnormal rhythms.
- Blood test. The doctor may order a blood test to check for the presence of certain substances in the blood that may indicate pulmonary hypertension or its complications.
In addition to the above examinations, several other investigations can also be carried out if deemed necessary, including right heart catheterization, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), lung function tests, or lung biopsies.
Treatment
Treatment of pulmonary hypertension aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the progression of this condition. If pulmonary hypertension is caused by other medical conditions, the doctor will treat the underlying medical condition whenever possible.
Several types of treatment that can be done are:
- Treatment. Treatment of pulmonary hypertension can include drugs to trigger blood vessel dilation, drugs to block calcium receptors, anti-coagulant drugs, and so on. The use of drugs aimed at lowering pulmonary blood pressure.
- Surgical procedure. If medication cannot control the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, several surgical procedures can be performed to help treat the signs and symptoms that arise.
Prevention
Prevention of pulmonary hypertension depends on the underlying disease that causes this condition. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking, getting enough rest, having a healthy diet, and doing regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension.