Hypertension Resources

An increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, vein or capillaries is termed as pulmonary hypertension. It is a serious disease, as it can lead to heart failure. Sometimes, any pre-existing diseases like heart or lung disorder and congenital heart disease may trigger pulmonary hypertension. Family history is another main reason, which can cause pulmonary hypertension.

The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may vary from patient to patient. However, some of the common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, non-productive cough and peripheral edema. Some people may also complain of angina and chest pain. Sometimes, coughing up blood may also persist. Patients, who suffer from any of these symptoms, need to undergo a thorough physical examination. The physician analyzes the family history to determine the definite cause of this condition.

If the condition of the pulmonary hypertension is severe, the physician may hear louder components of heart sounds, when he listens the heart beat with a stethoscope. He may also feel elevation of the chest wall when the heart pumps.

Diagnosing the pulmonary hypertension requires several tests. Echocardiogram may be performed to confirm the possibility of this condition. However, right heart catheterization is the best possible method to determine the severity of this disorder. This method also indicates the responsiveness of the pulmonary hypertension to certain medications. The physician administers the medications for this condition to the patient and places the catheter in his heart. The blood pressure is then monitored with the help of a device attached with the catheter. Electrocardiogram, x-ray in the chest area may also help to diagnose the pulmonary hypertension condition.

The physician decides the method of treatment after analyzing the underlying cause for the pulmonary hypertension problem. If chronic lung disease triggering low oxygen level is the main reason for this condition, the physician can recommend to consult a pulmonologist (lung doctor), who can provide appropriate treatment to cure the lung diseases first.

Sometimes, recurrent blood clot may be the underlying cause for pulmonary hypertension. Then Anticoagulation is the best treatment option to get rid of this condition. In rare cases, surgical removal of blood clot may also be suggested.

If the patient suffers from pulmonary hypertension without any underlying cause, then the physician recommends some advanced therapies. Some medications are prescribed, which help to open up the pulmonary arteries and to reduce the level of blood pressure.

If the patient lives in a low oxygen atmosphere, then it can aggravate the pulmonary hypertension condition. Breathing supplemental oxygen can help to reduce the blood pressure level.