PULMONARY HYPERTENSION, SECONDARY-Watsons Health

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION, SECONDARY

Overview & Facts

Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure in which lung arteries and the right side of your heart are usually affected.

In this type of hypertension, the pulmonary arterioles, which are the tiny arteries in your lungs and the capillaries, become destroyed, blocked or narrowed. If this condition happens,  it causes poor blood flow through your lungs and it increases the pressure within your lungs’ arteries.

The lower right chamber (right ventricle) of your heart will pump blood harder through your lungs as the pressure continues to be high. It will cause weak or failing heart muscles.

Types & Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

In the early stages of pulmonary hypertension, there may be no symptoms. Its signs and symptoms will be noticeable after months or even years. This condition immediately needs to be treated to delay its progress and prevent further complications.

Pulmonary hypertension symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea), initially while exercising and eventually while at rest
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope)
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Swelling (edema) in your ankles, legs and eventually in your abdomen (ascites)
  • Bluish color to your lips and skin (cyanosis)
  • Heart palpitations or a racing pulse

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Before the diagnosis, your doctor will evaluate your medical and family history and the signs and symptoms you are experiencing. Then he or she will conduct a a physical examination. Several tests will be used to diagnose pulmonary hypertension. These tests will determine the severity of your condition and they will also help find out the cause of your condition.

Tests may include the following:

  • Echocardiogram
  • Chest X-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Right heart catheterization
  • Blood tests
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Polysomnogram
  • Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan
  • Open-lung biopsy
  • Genetic tests

 

TREATMENT

While there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, still many of the treatments can help you relieve and slow down the advancement of your signs and symptoms.

Appropriate treatment is based on the severity of your pulmonary hypertension .

Medications may include the following:

  • Blood vessel dilators (vasodilators)
  • Endothelin receptor antagonists
  • Sildenafil and tadalafil
  • High-dose calcium channel blockers
  • Soluble guanylate cyclase (SGC) stimulators
  • Anticoagulants
  • Digoxin
  • Diuretics

Surgeries

  • Atrial septostomy
  • Transplantation

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