The lungs and heart work in tandem. They are responsible for the intake of oxygen, sending it throughout the body for it to be used, and then returning and expelling the carbon dioxide which is created. The arteries within the lungs and the right side of the heart can sometimes suffer from high blood pressure specifically. The arteries can become narrow or blocked. Sometimes they can be destroyed outright. In turn, the blood doesn’t properly flow in the lungs and the pressure rises. The heart’s right side tries to compensate for this lack of blood flow and works harder. This can lead to dangerous complications with the heart.
Identifying pulmonary arterial hypertension will allow for early treatment. This is important because there is currently no cure. However, treatment does allow for a better quality of life. It can also decrease the rate at which pulmonary arterial hypertension worsens.
People who are suffering from pulmonary hypertension can suffer from a variety of symptoms. In many cases, which this problem is developing, the symptoms may not appear, or be so light as to almost be invisible. Symptoms to look out for include:
There are several different groupings of pulmonary hypertension. The first is the main focus of this article. Group 1 of pulmonary hypertension is known as pulmonary arterial hypertension. This groups together many different causes. People who have a heart defect when they are born fall under this grouping. Issues caused by some diet drugs and illegal drugs also fall here. People with HIV, cirrhosis of the liver, and many connective tissue disorders might cause pulmonary arterial hypertension. Group 1 also contains a genetic form called heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension that is passed down in families. The final sufferers in group 1 are idiopathic sufferers. Quite simply, a cause can’t be determined for these!
There are four other groups with different causes. Group 2 belongs to people who have issues with the left side of their heart. Heart diseases are common and heart failure applies as well. Group 3 focuses mostly on the lungs. Chronic conditions like emphysema apply, as does pulmonary fibrosis. There are also sleep disorders where people struggle to sleep that can cause issues. Group 3 also applies to people who live at very high altitude for a long period of time. The fourth group moves to the blood. Blood clots can occur in the body, however, pulmonary emboli is when they occur in the lungs. Group 5 is the final group and it deals with other conditions. There are quite a few, but there are several blood disorders, metabolic disorders and disorders that affect multiple bodily organs. This group also includes when a tumor presses against the pulmonary artery narrowing it.
Once pulmonary arterial hypertension has been diagnosed, then treatment will be designed. Diagnosis is tricky early unless there’s a family history. It can require many tests that show the lungs and heart.
Since pulmonary arterial hypertension grows over time, the severity is spread into classes. Class I is for people showing no symptoms during normal activity, and increases to Class IV where symptoms show while at rest. Treatment is typically medication. Medication works to widen the blood vessels that have been constricted. It can also try to alter the substances that cause constriction in the first place. Serious cases may require surgery.
Lifestyle changes can also assist in handling pulmonary arterial hypertension. People need to get lots of rest at night, but be as active as possible. This can be assisted by eating a proper diet. Smokers need to quit. Pregnancy can be life threatening with pulmonary arterial hypertension and should be avoided. Getting up to high altitudes can cause symptoms to appear further. People living above 8000 feet should consider moving.