What's pulmonary hypertension? This sort of hypertension involves a narrowing of the arteries and veins between the lungs and heart. This narrowing will increase the blood pressure between these two vital organs. That increase in blood pressure is what doctors refer to as hypertension. Because it is between the lungs and heart makes it specifically pulmonary hypertension. This form of hypertension is rare in comparison to general high blood pressure. In contrast to other forms of hypertension, this one is most prevalent in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Doctors diagnose fewer than 1000 cases in the United States each year.
What are the causes of pulmonary hypertension? There are two standard types of this form of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary happens when there is no evident underlying cause as to why this form of hypertension established. Secondary cases normally have a very clear underlying cause. Some of the causes contain, but are not limited to, use of certain drugs, congenital heart failure, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, HIV/AIDS, some liver diseases and systemic lupus. These conditions usually have a connection to increasing the pressure put on the lungs and the heart. That leads to this hypertensive condition.
What are the typical symptoms of pulmonary hypertension? Most people do not have symptoms during the early stages of this disease. This leaves them vulnerable to the gradual damage that this condition brings with it. When symptoms become apparent, they can include dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, fainting, chest pain, cyanosis, and swelling of the feet and hands. If left untreated, these symptoms can do lasting damage to the heart and other internal organs. Some people may encounter heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest as a result. Early diagnosis is important to keep the deterioration to a minimum.
What are the common treatments of pulmonary hypertension? There is ordinarily a two-pronged approach to the treatment. It is only when the diagnosis is primary hypertension, the treatment has to include both the hypertension along with the main cause.
The hypertension therapy normally include the use of drugs, oxygen, and in some cases surgery. The doctor will use the appropriate therapies to relieve the underlying cause to relieve the hypertensive symptoms, if possible. In many instances, the doctor may also include an exercise program, special diet, and other life style changes. The thought is to both treat the immediate problem as well as the long-term ones.
What are the causes of pulmonary hypertension? There are two standard types of this form of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary happens when there is no evident underlying cause as to why this form of hypertension established. Secondary cases normally have a very clear underlying cause. Some of the causes contain, but are not limited to, use of certain drugs, congenital heart failure, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, HIV/AIDS, some liver diseases and systemic lupus. These conditions usually have a connection to increasing the pressure put on the lungs and the heart. That leads to this hypertensive condition.
What are the typical symptoms of pulmonary hypertension? Most people do not have symptoms during the early stages of this disease. This leaves them vulnerable to the gradual damage that this condition brings with it. When symptoms become apparent, they can include dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, fainting, chest pain, cyanosis, and swelling of the feet and hands. If left untreated, these symptoms can do lasting damage to the heart and other internal organs. Some people may encounter heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest as a result. Early diagnosis is important to keep the deterioration to a minimum.
What are the common treatments of pulmonary hypertension? There is ordinarily a two-pronged approach to the treatment. It is only when the diagnosis is primary hypertension, the treatment has to include both the hypertension along with the main cause.
The hypertension therapy normally include the use of drugs, oxygen, and in some cases surgery. The doctor will use the appropriate therapies to relieve the underlying cause to relieve the hypertensive symptoms, if possible. In many instances, the doctor may also include an exercise program, special diet, and other life style changes. The thought is to both treat the immediate problem as well as the long-term ones.
About the Author:
Raphaelo is medical student; he enjoys talking about medical related topics. To learn more about pulmonary hypertension, please visit http://www.pulmonaryhypertension.biz .
