What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension, also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension, is divided into two main categories: primary pulmonary hypertension that is not caused by any other disease or condition; and secondary pulmonary hypertension that is caused by another underlying condition. The more common of the two is secondary pulmonary hypertension.

What Causes Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by diseases of the heart and the lungs in the following examples:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)


• emphysema


• failure of the left heart ventricle


• recurrent pulmonary embolism (blood clots traveling from the legs or pelvic veins obstructing the pulmonary arteries


• chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension), or underlying diseases such as scleroderma


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• Other conditions that may cause pulmonary hypertension include:

• dermatomyositis,


• systemic lupus erythematosus


• sarcoidosis


• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and


• advanced liver disease (porto-pulmonary hypertension). The condition of pulmonary hypertension can also be caused by chronic low blood oxygen levels as in sleep apnea or other chronic lung disease. As previously stated, pulmonary hypertension is caused by other illnesses and thus can also be referred to as secondary pulmonary hypertension. Primary pulmonary hypertension is when the condition occurs without underlying heart and lung disease or other illnesses. Primary pulmonary hypertension is more common in females than in males, and in younger people. Some street drugs, such as methamphetamines or cocaine, can cause severe pulmonary hypertension. Recently, pulmonary hypertension has been reported, on rare occasion, with the use of anti-obesity drugs such as dexfenfluramine (Redux) and Fen/Phen. These drugs have since been removed from the market.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension

People with pulmonary hypertension in its early stages may not show any symptoms at all until an urgent medical condition occurs suddenly and they are rushed to urgent care or the emergency room. However, if they are manifesting any symptoms, it could be a good sign in order for the main condition to be detected and controlled in time. The types of symptoms of pulmonary hypertension you want to be aware of include:

• The most common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension is shortness of breath that worsens with activity


• With the advancement of the condition and ensuing right heart failure, shortness of breath may get worse and retention of fluid in the body may increase (due to failure of the heart to pump blood forward) resulting in swelling the legs.


• Other common complaints are cough, fatigue, dizziness, and lethargy, fatigue or extreme tiredness


• People may also complain of chest pain and angina

In severe pulmonary hypertension, the doctor may hear louder than normal components of heart sounds when he or she listens to the heart with a stethoscope. The doctor may also feel elevation of the chest wall when the heart pumps, possibly indicating enlargement of the right side of the heart (right ventricular heave) suggestive of pulmonary hypertension.As stated earlier, pulmonary hypertension can be a “silent killer,” exhibiting no symptoms at all until it takes you by surprise. However, regular blood pressure screenings and a healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition and exercise may help you increase your chances of beating this condition.