About Pulmonary Hypertension
Definition of Pulmonary Hypertension
Also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is defined
as the persistent high blood pressure occurring in the pulmonary artery. While
in normal condition the resting pulmonary rate count is nearly 14 mmHg, it can
increase up to 25 mmHg or more when an individual is suffering from pulmonary
arterial hypertension. This is a life-threatening condition. There is a
treatment for this condition, but there is no definitive cure. But first, let's
explore a few facts about this condition.
The Complications
Transmission of oxygen-mixed blood from right ventricle to
small arteries becomes possible with the help of pulmonary arteries. When
someone suffers from pulmonary arterial hypertension, the muscles of the
pulmonary arteries become tightened up, which eventually convert the internal
space narrower. In time, smaller blood clots may block the arterial passage,
leading to right heart failure syndrome. This is one of the most common causes
of mortality among people suffering from this condition.
Some Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors that put an individual at
higher risk for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension. Prolonged use of
appetite suppressants, amphetamines or cocaine may increase the risk quite
significantly. HIV infection or AIDS may heighten the vulnerability towards
developing PAH. Apart from that, liver diseases and connective tissue diseases
such as scleroderma can pose serious threat. However, doctors have not yet found
the exact causes behind the development of pulmonary hypertension and why some
individuals are at higher risk than others.
Some of the Most Common Signs & Symptoms
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of the
condition. Besides that, other common symptoms may include:
-
fatigue
-
fainting
-
bluish skin and lips
-
dizziness
-
palpitations
-
racing heart
-
chest pain
As the disease progresses, the pumping function of the heart
becomes weaker and the energy level gets reduced. At the advanced level, the
patient will experience difficulty in performing simple activity or movement. In
addition, symptoms may become prevalent even when the patient is on rest. At the
worst end, he may turn out to be bedridden.
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The Treatment
Not all people suffering from pulmonary hypertension become
sick. In fact, still there are lots of other options to keep an individual
steady and active, such as:
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maintaining healthy lifestyle
-
and healthy diet
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avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
-
doing regular exercise
-
Practicing relaxation technique in combination with stress
reduction therapy can offer good result.
-
Walking is considered as one of the most effective
exercises among all for the people suffering from pulmonary hypertension.
The objective of the treatment involves:
-
treating the underlying causes
-
alleviating symptoms
-
improving quality of life
-
slowing the formation of blood clot
-
smooth muscle cell
-
increasing oxygenated blood supply
Typically, there are three modes of treatment. These
are:
-
medications
-
oxygen supply
-
lung transplantation
Other possible advanced level treatments may involve stem
cell transplantation in combination with gene and DNA therapy in near
future.
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