Pulmonary Hypertension Information

Millions of people are affected by high blood pressure (hypertension), a condition in which blood travels through the body's arteries at a pressure too high for good health. High blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension (PHT). The blood pressure measured by cuff on your arm isn't directly related to the pressure in your lungs. The blood vessels that supply the lungs constrict and their walls thicken, so they can't carry as much blood. As in a kinked garden hose, pressure builds up and backs up. The heart works harder, trying to force the blood through. Nearly 50 million Americans have high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). It occurs when blood travels through the body's arteries at a pressure too high for good health.

It is most commonly found in women between ages 20 and 40. However, men and women in all age ranges — as well as very young children — can develop PPH. There are two main kinds of pulmonary hypertension. One runs in families or appears for no known reason. The other kind is related to another condition, usually heart or lung disease. The most common cause of pulmonary hypertension is left heart failure leading to pulmonary venous hypertension (WHO Group II). This may be due to systolic or diastolic malfunction of the left ventricle or due to valvular dysfunction such as mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis, or aortic regurgitation. It usually manifests as pulmonary edema or pleural effusions.Treatment is determined by whether the PH is arterial, venous, hypoxic, or miscellaneous.

The impotence drug Viagra, is sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension. Most medications often used to treat coexistent illnesses are safe for people with PHT. Prostacyclin given intravenously through a catheter surgically implanted in the skin improves the quality of life, increases survival, and reduces the urgency of lung transplantation. Vasodilators (drugs to dilate blood vessels), such as calcium channel blockers, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin, are often helpful for secondary pulmonary hypertension associated with scleroderma, chronic liver disease, and HIV infection. Bosentan, a new drug given by mouth, has been effective in some people. A drug similar to prostacyclin, called iloprost, can be administered by inhalation. Sometimes lung transplants also are done.

Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Diuretics reduce the amount of fluid in the body.

2. Given oxygen therapy to help treat pulmonary hypertension.

3. High dose calcium channel blockers are useful in PAH patients.

4. Prostacyclin is commonly considered the most effective treatment for PAH.

5. Viagra, is sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension.

6. Bosentan drug given by mouth, has been effective in some people.

7. Transplantation may be a possible treatment for severe secondary pulmonary hypertension.