Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure that specifically occurs in the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. This condition may go unnoticed at first, then gradually gets more serious and can fatal.
Pulmonary hypertension can happen to anyone, but the disease often affects people with heart or lung problems. This condition can occur by itself or be caused by other diseases.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension develops slowly so that symptoms develop gradually. Patients may not experience any symptoms in the early stages, but the symptoms will appear and get worse as the condition progresses.
Pulmonary hypertension can generally be characterized by the following symptoms:
- Short breath during activity
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Heart beat
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
Causes and Complications of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the small arteries in the lungs and their capillaries are narrowed, blocked, or damaged. This condition makes it difficult for blood from the right side of the heart to flow to the lungs. As a result, the pressure in the pulmonary arteries also increases.
As the pressure increases, the right ventricle of the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the lungs. This condition over time weakens the heart muscle and can lead to a variety of complications, including:
- Heart failure
- Enlargement of the heart
- Arrhythmia
- Blood clotting
- Bleeding in the lungs
- Pregnancy complications
Pulmonary Hypertension Examination and Treatment
Pulmonary hypertension is rarely diagnosed in its early stages and is usually only recognized after the disease has progressed for some time or after it has reached an advanced stage. The diagnosis is usually established through a heart and lung scan, as well as an electrocardiogram.
Pulmonary hypertension is a disease that cannot be cured, so treatment will be more focused on relieving symptoms or slowing the progression of the disease.
Handling as early as possible is important to do so that complications do not occur. In addition, sufferers are also advised to change their lifestyle to improve their condition.
