Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition that is caused by several reasons and could lead to severe complications if it isn’t managed.

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a disorder that leads to high blood pressure in the arteries that transfer low-oxygen blood from the heart to the lungs. As a result, the blood flow in these arteries is disrupted, and they might become narrowed, which leads to serious complications because, in this case, the heart is obliged to work harder to restore the proper blood flow in these arteries.

Causes of pulmonary hypertension

In general, pulmonary hypertension happens due to changes in the walls of the arteries, which make them narrow and stiff. Causes of PH are divided into the following types:

PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension)

It occurs due to certain drugs (like methamphetamine), congenital heart conditions, certain disorders (like lupus, cirrhosis, and scleroderma), and genetic changes.

Lung diseases that cause pulmonary hypertension

COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, and being at elevated altitudes for a long time.

Left-sided heart diseases that cause PH

Left-sided heart valve disease or left heart failure.

PH that is caused by a blockage in the pulmonary arteries

Such as clots or tumors.

Pulmonary hypertension as a result of certain illnesses

Kidney disease, sarcoidosis, and polycythemia.

The risk of pulmonary hypertension could increase due to the following factors: long exposure to asbestos, overweight and obesity, smoking, living in high altitudes, family history, and using recreational and some weight-loss medicines.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension

The patient might not suffer from any symptoms for months and sometimes years. Usually, symptoms of PH manifest gradually and include:

• Shortness of breath, which is the most common symptom.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Skin discoloration, which usually becomes gray or blue.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Dizziness.
• Fainting.
• Edema in the abdomen, legs, and ankles.

Complications of pulmonary hypertension

• Arrhythmia.
• Blood clots.
• Heart failure and right-sided heart enlargement.
• Bleeding inside the lungs.
• Complications during pregnancy.

Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension

• Physical examination.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of pulmonary hypertension

• Medications.
• Surgery if needed.
• The risk of PH can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle.