The
Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension
Secondary
pulmonary hypertension is a well know lung disorder. It usually results
from some other previously existing diseases from in the lungs or some
other organs.
In simple terms, it happens
when there is an increase in the blood pressure in the lungs due to
other underlying medical problems.
Here are some well-known facts about secondary pulmonary hypertension:
- When a person has high blood pressure over a
long a period of time
then it is called hypertension.
- Pulmonary is the name given to a group of
arteries and venous system
which carry blood from the lungs to the heart and back. Therefore, the
term pulmonary hypertension means high pressure of blood in the
pulmonary vessels.
- When the pressure of the blood increases in
the pulmonary arteries, it causes the right side of the heart to pump
more blood into the lungs, which puts a strain on the right side of the
heart and causes the right side to enlarge.
While the
causes of primary pulmonary hypertension are not as well known,
generally, the following can cause this type of hypertension:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Interstitial lung disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Scleroderma
- Pulmonary embolism
- Valvular heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congestive heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congestive heart failure left sided
- Smoking
Besides
these causes, there are some lesser-known causes of secondary pulmonary
hypertension such as prolonged use of some illicit drugs. Some diseases
like AIDS/HIV, hyperthyroidism, and liver
diseases can also be a cause of the secondary pulmonary hypertension.
The
patient generally experiences a shortness of breath that is aggravated
when the patient does some kind of activity. Other signs of this
disease include a chronic lethargy for no reason, fatigue, dizziness,
and constant coughing. As the disease progresses, the right side of the
heart starts failing due to the extra load. This causes the patient to
become increasingly short on breath. Moreover, as it gets more and more
difficult for the heart to pump the blood forward, there is an
increased fluid retention and swelling on the legs. Angina and chest
pain are also some of the well-known symptoms of the problem.
Now
days, with the new advancements in the field of medicine, there are a
lot of ways to diagnose this condition. The first and
foremost sign of this disease is the presence of any kind of underlying
condition. If the doctor is not able to find any such underlying
disorder, then it is known as primary pulmonary hypertension. The
presence of some previously existing disease generally leads to the
diagnosis of secondary pulmonary hypertension if all the classic
symptoms are observed.
Tests like ECG or Electrocardiography,
Echocardiography, Chest X-ray, Pulmonary ventilation or perfusion scans
and pulmonary function tests are used to confirm this disease.
Generally,
the patient will be asked to quit smoking if that is what has caused
the problem in the first place. Medications like calcium and channel
blockers are generally prescribed. If
the oxygen levels fall exceedingly low, then oxygen therapy is also
given. When this hypertension does not respond to
the conventional medications, then a a lung
transplant may be opted for.
Despite all the medical advancements in the field, today there are
still no confirmed cures for this condition.
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