It’s possible for high blood pressure to affect specific arteries within the body. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which there is high blood pressure in the arteries that are located within the lungs and the right side of the heart. It should be immediately worrisome that the areas affected are some of the most important in the body.
There are different forms of pulmonary hypertension. The types are typically divided by what causes them. Complications of pulmonary hypertension are a serious issue that needs to be considered. Fatal consequences are possible and potentially even probable if pulmonary hypertension isn’t handled. While a cure doesn’t currently exist, treatment can reduce pulmonary hypertension and the overall quality of life.
The 5 Important Questions
1: What Causes Pulmonary Hypertension?
A: The cause of pulmonary hypertension is changes in the cells that work as the lining of the pulmonary arteries. They can become thicker and stiffen, or create extra tissue. The results are a blocked or reduced blood flow through the blood vessels and increases the blood pressure in them. Quite simply there are a large number of different conditions which may cause the cells to act in this fashion. The causes are grouped up into five different groupings.
2: What Are These 5 Groups of Pulmonary Hypertension?
A: Group 1 is cases in which the causes are unknown, are caused by genetic mutations, congenital heart diseases or a variety of other conditions like HIV, liver disease, lupus and many others! Group 2 specifically is caused by issues in the left side of the heart. This can include heart failure. Group 3 is caused by a variety of lung diseases. This can include issues like pulmonary fibrosis or emphysema. This also includes sleep apnea or sleep disorders. The cause of Group 4 is blood clots. Specifically, it’s chronic blood clots which occur in the lungs. The final group (Group 5) is a mix of other conditions that have less in common. Blood disorders belong to this group, as does metabolic disorders. Sometimes tumors can press against the pulmonary arteries and cause pulmonary arterial hypertension.
3: Who is Most At Risk of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?
A: There’s several risk factors that might make you more likely to develop this condition. Typically, young adults are the most likely to suffer from pulmonary arterial hypertension. People who are overweight are more at risk. Family history can also play a role. Other potential risk factors include medication to suppress appetite, living at a very high altitude or using illegal drugs.
4: Can You Spot the Signs of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?
A: Actually detecting pulmonary arterial hypertension can be quite difficult. The early stage signs may not be strong enough to show themselves for months or even years. That being said, symptoms do progress as the condition worsens. People may feel fatigued, dizzy or faint. They may struggle to catch their breath while exercising to start. Sometimes chest pressure will be felt, and pain may be felt as well. People may feel heart palpitations or find their pulse starts racing. Edema can occur in ankles, legs or even the abdomen. Some people suffer from a bluish color on their skin and lips.
5: Can Anything Be Done?
A: As mentioned, there’s no cure for pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, there is treatment which can be designed to assist in the day to day life of people with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In most cases, medication is the treatment option chosen. Medications work to open up blood vessels that have become too narrow and pose a rise. They can also try to counteract the substance in the body which causes them to narrow in the first place. Surgery can be an option in dangerous or severe cases.