What Is the Definition of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a potentially fatal condition that worsens over time, but treatments can alleviate symptoms and allow you to live a more normal life. It may require some planning, but many people with it find ways to do everything they enjoy, just as they did before they were diagnosed.
Pneumoarterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that connect your heart to your lungs. It is not the same as having high blood pressure on a regular basis.
PAH causes the tiny arteries in your lungs to narrow or block. It's more difficult for blood to flow through them, which raises blood pressure in your lungs. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood through those arteries, and the heart muscle eventually weakens. It can eventually lead to heart failure.
Causes
Sometimes doctors are unable to determine the cause of high blood pressure in the lungs. The condition is known as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in this case. Some people may be predisposed to it due to genetic factors.
In other cases, another condition is the source of the issue. Any of the following illnesses can cause high blood pressure in your lungs:
· Heart failure with congestive heart failure
· Clots of blood in the lungs
· HIV
· Use of illegal drugs (like cocaine or methamphetamine)
· The disease of the liver (such as cirrhosis of the liver)
· Lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases are all examples of autoimmune diseases.
· A congenital heart defect
· Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary fibrosis are all examples of lung diseases.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
For a while, you may not notice any symptoms. When you're active, the most common symptom is shortness of breath. It usually begins slowly and worsens over time. You may notice that you can no longer do some of the things you used to do without getting out of breath.
Other signs and symptoms include:
Chest ache
Fatigue
Taking a breather
Swelling of the ankles and legs
Obtaining a Diagnosis
If you visit your doctor because of shortness of breath, they will inquire about your medical history. They may also inquire:
· Do you use tobacco?
· Is there anyone in your family who has heart or lung disease?
· When did your symptoms first appear?
· What causes your symptoms to improve or worsen?
· Do you ever get rid of your symptoms?
Your doctor may order the following tests:
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound image of the beating heart that can be used to check blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
A CT scan can reveal enlarged pulmonary arteries. A CT scan can also detect other issues in the lungs that may be causing shortness of breath.
V/Q scan: This test can aid in the detection of blood clots that can cause high blood pressure in the lungs.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): An EKG records the activity of the heart and can reveal whether the right side of the heart is under strain. That is a symptom of pulmonary hypertension.
An X-ray of your chest can reveal whether your arteries or heart are enlarged. Chest X-rays can aid in the diagnosis of other lung or heart conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
Exercise evaluation: Your doctor may instruct you to run on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while being monitored to detect any changes in your oxygen levels, heart function, lung pressure, or other parameters.
Your doctor may also perform blood tests to screen for HIV and other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
If these tests indicate that you may have pulmonary hypertension
your doctor will need to perform a right heart catheterization to confirm the diagnosis. What happens during that test is as follows:
A catheter is inserted into a large vein, most commonly the jugular vein in your neck or the femoral vein in your leg, and then threaded into the right side of your heart.
The pressures in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries are measured using a monitor.
The doctor may also inject medications through the catheter to determine whether the pulmonary arteries are stiff. This is known as a vasoreactivity test.
Right heart catheterization is not dangerous. The doctor will sedate you and use local anesthesia. You can usually return home the same day, though you will need to be driven there.
Questions to Ask Your Physician
You should make a list of questions before your appointment to ensure that you ask your doctor everything you want to. It can also be beneficial to have a friend or family member with you to assist you in obtaining the answers you seek.
Some potential questions include: What is the best treatment for me?
· How frequently should I see a doctor about my condition?
· Is it necessary for me to see a specialist?
· When should I go to the hospital?
· Do I need to limit my salt or fluid intake?
· What kind of exercise am I allowed to do?
· Are there any activities I should avoid?
· Should I get a pneumonia and flu vaccine?
Treatment
Because pulmonary hypertension differs from person to person, your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific requirements. Inquire with your doctor about your options and what to expect.
First, your doctor will address the underlying cause of your condition. For example, if you have emphysema, you must treat it in order to improve your pulmonary hypertension.
Most people also receive treatment to improve their breathing, which allows them to be more active and perform daily tasks. If you're short of breath and have low oxygen levels in your blood, oxygen therapy, in which you breathe pure oxygen through prongs that fit in your nose, can help. When you have pulmonary hypertension, it helps you live longer. If you are at risk for blood clots, your doctor may advise you to take blood thinners. Other medications help your heart work better and prevent fluid buildup in your body.
If you have severe pulmonary hypertension:
your doctor may prescribe calcium channel blockers to you. These medications reduce blood pressure in the lungs and throughout the body.
If calcium channel blockers do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a specialized treatment facility. You may require more targeted therapies to open up your constricted blood vessels. They could be pills, inhalable medications, or drugs administered via an IV. Among the options are:
Cenforce 150, Vidalista 20, and other pills
Inhalers: Iloprost tromethamine (Ventavis), treprostinil (Tyvaso) IV medications include epoprostenol sodium (Flolan, Veletri) and treprostinil.
In more severe cases, or if medications are ineffective, your doctor may suggest a lung transplant or a procedure known as atrial septostomy. A surgical opening is made between the right and left sides of the heart. This surgery may have serious consequences.
Looking After Yourself
Staying active, even if you have shortness of breath, is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Regular exercise, such as going for a walk, will help you breathe and live better. Consult your doctor first to determine what type of exercise is best for you and how much you should do. When exercising, some people may require the use of oxygen.
Get plenty of rest as well. Because pulmonary hypertension causes fatigue, get plenty of rest and take naps as needed.
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is beneficial to you, just like it is to everyone else. This is critical for your overall health.
What You Can Expect
Much depends on the cause of your pulmonary hypertension. You will feel better if you treat the underlying condition. Although there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to manage.
If you have idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, which has no known cause, your symptoms may worsen over time. However, treatment can slow the progression of the disease and help you live a longer life.
Remember that everyone is unique, and there are effective treatments available. Consult your doctor to determine what is best for you.
