in Pulmonary HypertensionMay 18, 2018 Tagged With: heart, high blood pressure, hypertension, lung and sleep specialists, pulmonary
The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs, where it gets oxygenated. It is a low-pressure blood vessel with an average pressure between 8 and 20 mmHg. If the resting average blood pressure in the pulmonary artery increases to more than 25 mmHg, pulmonary hypertension is present. Blood pressure in other parts of the body may be normal or even low.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious medical condition that can be disabling and even life-threatening. Sometimes it is idiopathic, from unknown causes and is called primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Other times It can be traced to different pre-existing medical conditions, such as fibrosis, heart disorders, lung disorders, medications, drugs, and connective tissue diseases. It is then called secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH).
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare form of high blood pressure, occurring in the pulmonary arteries due to constriction and inadequate blood flow from the heart through the lungs.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are potentially life-threatening conditions that worsen over time. A patient should be under the care of an experienced cardiologist and/or pulmonologist (lung disease specialist).
Symptoms
Mild pulmonary hypertension is usually invisible, showing symptoms only when the pressure in the pulmonary artery increases to high levels. The primary symptom is shortness of breath after some activity has been undertaken. There is an inability to do some actions that could be easily done earlier. It usually starts slowly and gets worse as time goes on.
The signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension in its early stages might not be noticeable for months or even years. As the disease progresses, symptoms become worse. As the condition deteriorates and the pressure becomes greater, a variety of signs and symptoms emerge.
Each person with PH will experience different symptoms and combinations of symptoms. The severity of the symptoms will also differ from person to person
These symptoms may fluctuate in frequency, nature, and strength.
Symptoms of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
The initial symptoms may be mistaken for simply being out of condition. People will often ignore the early symptoms of PH and not seek treatment. This makes the condition worse and potentially fatal.
Shortness of breath – dyspnea after normal activity due to constriction of arteries.
Weakness, fatigue, lethargy – due to lack of oxygen and weakened lung power.
Lightheadedness and fainting (syncope) – as brain doesn’t get enough oxygen.
Swelling in limbs – edema in ankles, legs, feet and abdomen (ascites), due to fluid retention as kidneys don’t function well to eliminate waste.
Blue lips – cyanosis due to low oxygen levels in the body.
Irregular heartbeat, chest pain and pressure – the heart’s muscles work harder and grow weaker. Over time, increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries will cause an erratic heartbeat, racing pulse or palpitations.
Delayed Symptoms of PH
It may be months and years before the constriction and weakening in the pulmonary arteries become severe enough for the build-up of pressure to become noticeable. Hence both PH and PAH may progress for prolonged periods before a sufferer seeks medical attention
The symptoms are also not immediately identifiable as being caused by PAH. This is because many of them are present in other conditions. They are so gradual, they are easily dismissed. This makes proper diagnosis more difficult.
Pulmonary hypertension is a serious medical condition that often has bad, even fatal outcomes, usually because treatment and medical intervention come too late. With pulmonary hypertension, it is important to determine the exact underlying causes, and apply the appropriate therapies as early as possible.
The longer the delay, the more serious these and other additional symptoms may become, eventually affecting the quality of life, and limiting the ability to perform any physical activity.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect you have pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary arterial hypertension, make an appointment with Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas to identify and treat this rare type of high blood pressure. Call (817) 594-9993 today, or request an appointment online.