Pulmonary Hypertension: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Disease Insights: pulmonary-hypertension

Select a Disease:

Welcome to the ultimate guide on pulmonary hypertension. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.

Description for pulmonary hypertension

High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, causing shortness of breath and fatigue.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension

chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in legs

Precautions for pulmonary hypertension

Take prescribed medications to reduc, Engage in regular check-ups, Avoid high-altitude environments, Follow a heart-healthy diet

Questions Covered:

what is pulmonary hypertension?
What are the usual symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?
How do doctors usually treat pulmonary hypertension?
causes of pulmonary hypertension?
How do doctors usually figure out if someone has pulmonary hypertension, diagnosis?
What are the possible complications that could arise from pulmonary hypertension?

Answers:

Question: what is pulmonary hypertension?

Cor pulmonale is a condition that happens when a respiratory disorder results in high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension). The name of the condition is in Latin and means 'pulmonary heart.'
It's also known as right-sided heart failure because it occurs within the right ventricle of your heart. Cor pulmonale causes the right ventricle to enlarge and pump blood less effectively than it should. The ventricle is then pushed to its limit and ultimately fails.
It's possible to prevent this condition by controlling the high pressure of the blood going to the lungs. But untreated pulmonary hypertension can eventually lead to cor pulmonale along with other related, life-threatening complications.

Question: What are the usual symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?

The symptoms of cor pulmonale may not be noticeable at first because they're similar to the feelings you get after a hard workout. They include
:
shortness of breath
tiredness
an increased heart rate
lightheadedness
Over time, these symptoms will worsen and flare up even during periods of rest.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
chest pain
leg or feet swelling
fainting
excessive coughing
wheezing
excessive fatigue

Question: How do doctors usually treat pulmonary hypertension?

In order to treat cor pulmonale, your doctor will need to treat
the underlying cause.
Prescription medications can help decrease blood pressure and help encourage oxygen flow back into the lungs. Diuretics may also be used to get rid of fluid retention and keep your blood sodium levels down. You may also take blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
Severe or advanced cases of cor pulmonale require more aggressive treatments like a heart or lung transplant. In other cases, you may need to have oxygen therapy.

Question: causes of pulmonary hypertension?

The lungs depend on the heart to transport blood from the body to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension occurs as a result of increased pressure in your lungs' arteries.
This increased pressure can then cause resistance in your heart's right ventricle. It's a result of having to overcome the high pressure in the lungs in order to force blood into them.
This increased pressure leads to cor pulmonale, and the result is ineffective transportation of blood to the lungs. This, in turn, will lead to decreased oxygen transport to the rest of the body.
Conditions or events that can cause this include:
pulmonary embolism
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
lung tissue damage
sleep apnea
cystic fibrosis
scleroderma
The most common cause of acute cor pulmonale is typically caused by a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs. Chronic cor pulmonary most commonly results from COPD.

Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has pulmonary hypertension, diagnosis?

Cor pulmonale is diagnosed with a physical exam and medical testing. Abnormal heart rhythms, fluid retention, and protruding neck veins during a physical exam can indicate the presence of increased pressure and the possibility of cor pulmonale.
Blood tests to detect brain natriuretic peptides, which are amino acids secreted from the heart when it is stressed, may also be ordered.
A doctor may also insert
a right heart catheter to determine if there's any dysfunction in the right ventricle of your heart. This procedure is known as right heart catheterization or Swan-Ganz catheterization.

Question: What are the possible complications that could arise from pulmonary hypertension?

If not treated promptly, cor pulmonale can lead to the following complications:
An enlarged pulmonary artery
thickening of the walls of the right ventricle of the heart
severe shortness of breath
severe excessive fluid in your body
shock
death

Useful Articles on pulmonary hypertension

Additional Information and Resources:

Conclusion & Takeaways

Learning about pulmonary hypertension is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.