Pulmonary hypertension is a lung disorder where the blood pressure increases in the pulmonary arteries in the lungs due to a narrowing of blood vessels. This narrowing of the vessels makes it hard for the blood to flow through them properly.
As the blood pressure builds and rises above normal levels, your heart – particularly the right ventricle – has to work harder to bring oxygen into your lungs. This pressure can lead your heart to weaken and eventually stop working, resulting in heart failure.
Continue reading to find out about what causes pulmonary hypertension.
Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension
Some forms of this condition have no known cause that doctors can pinpoint. Other forms of pulmonary hypertension have several known causes, including the following:
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Pulmonary hypertension may occur as a result of certain major infections or chronic diseases, including:
● Diseases of the liver (liver cirrhosis)
● Rheumatic disorders (lupus)
● Scleroderma (overproduction of collagen)
● Lung conditions (emphysema or COPD)
● HIV/AIDS
Heart Disease
Certain types of heart disease, such as mitral valve disease and congenital heart disease, may lead to pulmonary hypertension. A blood clot that develops in a pulmonary artery may also lead to the disease.
Low Oxygen
People who live in high altitudes, where the natural levels of oxygen in the air are lower and the air is “thinner,” have a greater chance of developing pulmonary hypertension than people who live at lower altitudes. People with sleep disorders that affect breathing and oxygen levels in the body, such as sleep apnea, are also at risk of developing this condition due to not getting enough oxygen.
Genetics
If someone in your family was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, you may want to have yourself checked by a doctor if you present any symptoms of the disease. It is better to start treatment before the condition becomes worse and possibly life-threatening, especially since it doesn’t always create obvious symptoms until the condition has progressed beyond the ability to treat it successfully.
A pulmonologist will determine any risk factors you have and perform tests to check you for pulmonary hypertension. If you do have it, the doctor will create a prevention plan that is both safe and effective.
What Are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a rare condition, but it is much more common in young adults than in people who are younger or older. What’s particularly tricky about pulmonary hypertension is that symptoms usually present themselves only after the condition is in an advanced stage.
Symptoms include the following:
● Shortness of breath
● Dizziness
● Fainting
● Bluish lips
● Chest pain
● Difficulty performing simple activities
Pulmonologist in North Texas
If you wish to lower your risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, or if you are concerned about other pulmonary conditions, schedule a consultation with our pulmonology team at Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas. We will diagnose and treat your condition and make sure you breathe better.
Our pulmonology team specializes in pulmonary medicine and the treatment of conditions from asthma to emphysema to lung cancer. We take a multifaceted and holistic approach to treating our patients, providing a full spectrum of pulmonary care such as sleep medicine and immunology.
Contact our caring team today at (817) 594-9993. Together, we will help you achieve a better quality of life!