Pulmonary Hypertension
What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
It is high blood pressure in the arteries (blood vessels) that supply blood to the lungs, resulting in damage to right side of the heart. It is a serious disease which can sometimes lead to life loss. It is not curable but treatments are available to help lessen the symptoms. It can affect people at any age although some forms of it are considered to be common in young women.
What are the causes for Pulmonary Hypertension?
Sometimes it is not possible to find an underlying cause. It may sometimes be genetic. It may also be caused by any of the following diseases: Blood clots in the lungs, HIV, Illegal stimulant drug use, liver disease, heart disease, living or climbing to high altitudes.
What are the symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension?
Some of the symptoms are: rapid heartbeat, leg and ankle swelling, tiredness, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain. Symptoms become worse with time and may initially not be noticeable.
How is Pulmonary Hypertension treated?
Many medications can be used to treat this type of hypertension. At first Anticoagulant medicines and diuretics may be prescribed. In the next stage more specialized medicines may be prescribed.
