Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure that specifically occurs in the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. This condition can initially be unnoticed, then gradually becomes more serious and can be fatal.
Pulmonary hypertension can happen to everyone, but it often affects people with heart or lung problems. This condition can occur by itself or be caused by another disease.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension develops slowly so that the symptoms appear gradually. Sufferers may not experience any symptoms in the early stages, but symptoms will later appear and get worse as the condition progresses.
Pulmonary hypertension can generally be characterized by the following symptoms:
- Short breaths during activity
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Heart beat
- Pain in the right upper abdomen
- Loss of appetite
Pulmonary Hypertension Causes and Complications
Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the small arteries in the lungs and their capillaries become 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 weakens the heart muscle over time and can lead to a variety of complications, including:
- Heart failure
- Heart enlargement
- 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 when it reaches an advanced stage. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by scans of the heart and lungs, 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 disease progression.
Handling as early as possible is important to do so that complications do not occur. In addition, sufferers are also advised to make lifestyle changes to improve their condition.