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Pulmonary hypertension is when the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs becomes abnormally high due to the narrowing of the vessels. This strains the right ventricle of the heart and could lead to heart failure. With pulmonary hypertension, the blood vessels in the lungs develop an increased amount of muscle in the wall of the blood vessels.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
The signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension develop slowly. These includes:
- Blue lips and skin
- Fast pulse and pounding heartbeat
- Fatigue and shortness of breath
- Chest pressure or pain
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Swelling in the ankles, legs, and may also affect the belly area
What is the Main Cause of Pulmonary Hypertension?
The changes in the cells of pulmonary arteries can lead to stiffness, thickness, and swelling. These changes may slow down or block blood flow through the lungs, causing pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension can happen in association with many other diseases, such as lung disease and heart disease. Heart failure is common in pulmonary hypertension.
- A family history of the condition
- Being overweight and exposed to asbestos
- Blood-clotting disorders or a family history of blood clots in the lungs
- Congenital heart disease
- Use of certain drugs
- Using weight-loss medicines and illegal drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine
- Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Use of medications to treat depression and anxiety
Other Causes and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Hypertension
How to Diagnose Pulmonary Hypertension?
- Blood tests. Blood tests can help determine the cause of pulmonary hypertension or detect signs of complications.
- Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray may be used to check for other lung conditions that can cause pulmonary hypertension.
- Electrocardiogram. It can detect changes in the heartbeat. Patterns on an ECG may reveal signs of right ventricle enlargement or strain.
- Echocardiogram. This test may be done to help diagnose pulmonary hypertension or to determine how well treatments are working.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. It can show blood flow in the pulmonary arteries and determine how well the lower right heart chamber is working.
- Lung function test. The test involves blowing into an instrument called a spirometer.
Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension
Symptoms or complications of pulmonary hypertension may be treated with the following medications:
- Blood vessel dilators. This type of medicine relaxes and opens narrowed blood vessels, improving blood flow.
- Guanylate cyclase stimulators. This type of medicine increases nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes the pulmonary arteries and lowers the pressure in the lungs.
- High-dose calcium channel blockers. These drugs help relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels.
- Water pills or diuretics. Diuretics may also be used to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, and abdomen.
- Oxygen therapy. Breathing pure oxygen is sometimes recommended as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension, especially for those who live at a high altitude or have sleep apnea.
Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Pulmonary Hypertension
Sildenafil is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It works by relaxing the muscles of the genital as it increases the blood flow. It helps in achieving an erection in a time of sexual arousal and improves blood flow.
