Pulmonary hypertension
Overview
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in theblood vessels that supply the lungs (pulmonary arteries).
Symptoms
Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include: shortness of breathtirednessfeeling faint or dizzychest pain (angina)a racing heartbeat (palpitations)swelling (oedema) in the legs, ankles, feet or tummy (abdomen) The symptoms often get worse during exercise, which can limit your ability to take part in physical activities. If you have a type of pulmonary hypertension known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), you may not have any symptoms until the condition is quite advanced.
Causes
The changes in the pulmonary arteries that lead to pulmonary hypertension can be caused by: various conditions that cause problems with the smaller branches of the pulmonary arteries (PAH)conditions that affect the left side of the heartlung diseases or a shortage of oxygen in the body (hypoxia)blood clotsthat cause narrowing or a blockage in the pulmonary arteries Read more about thecauses of pulmonary hypertension.
Treatment
Anticoagulants; Diuretics; Oxygen; Specialist medication (Bosentan/Sildenafil).
Prevention
Treat underlying heart/lung conditions.
When to see a doctor
See a GP if you have any symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. They may ask you about your symptoms and medical history, and they may carry out a physical examination. Call 999 or go to A&E if you get sudden chest pain that does not stop after a few minutes, or you have heart palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling faint. These could be a sign of another condition such as a blood clot in your lungs or a serious heart problem. Correctly diagnosing pulmonary hypertension can sometimes take time because its symptoms are similar to those of many other heart and lung conditions. Tests you may have include a type of heart scan called anechocardiogram, and right heart catheterisation, where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into your pulmonary artery. Read more abouthow pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed.