Pulmonary Hypertension Threatens Life

Pulmonary Hypertension Threatens Life Pulmonary hypertension (PAH) or (PH), which is important in many cardiological examinations, is known as a disease that can pose a vital risk. Pulmonary hypertension, a disease that can affect people of all ages, prevents patients from carrying out their daily activities. This condition, which frequently leads to complaints such as shortness of breath, palpitations and fatigue, can be controlled through careful lifestyle management and regular follow-ups. Specialist Dr. Cegerğun Polat from the Cardiology Department of Memorial Şişli Hospital provided important information about pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension, or lung hypertension, is an increase in blood pressure in the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. While it is related to heart and lung disease causes, it can also develop during the course of rheumatic diseases. Lung hypertension is a very rare disease on a hereditary basis. However, since patients are often diagnosed very late, it can be detected at very advanced stages. With pulmonary hypertension, the walls of the pulmonary arteries thicken, harden and do not allow blood to pass. Reduced blood flow makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood in the arteries on the right side of the heart, and this condition leads to heart failure. Although it is a rare condition that can affect people of all ages, it is more common in people with different heart and lung diseases.

Patients May Be Unable to Perform Daily Activities

The most important symptom in patients with high lung hypertension is shortness of breath and palpitations. Patients generally report that they cannot maintain their previous level of fitness. Pulmonary hypertension can manifest itself with many symptoms. These symptoms can be listed as follows: - Shortness of breath and fatigue. - Dizziness and fainting. - Angina (chest pain) and palpitations. - Swelling and edema in ankles, legs and abdomen. - Difficulty in performing daily routine activities. - Cough. - Weakness and rapid fatigue. - Bluish color on lips and skin. Symptoms may worsen during exertion and can be affected by it. In cardiological examinations, evaluation should be performed for pulmonary hypertension. Since the symptoms relate to both the heart and lungs, patients with such complaints should be evaluated by a cardiologist and a pulmonologist. Pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed more frequently in people aged 30 to 60 years. Aging can increase the risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, idiopathic PAH is more common in young adults.

Attention Should Be Paid to Sleep Apnea

Pulmonary hypertension can have many causes. For example, pulmonary hypertension can develop due to lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma and COPD. Pulmonary hypertension can also develop due to sleep apnea. In these patients, breathing stops during sleep, so oxygenation is impaired. If this condition is not treated, pulmonary hypertension can develop. This condition can also bring heart diseases. Additionally, heart diseases, mitral stenosis, heart muscle diseases can also be causes of pulmonary hypertension. Problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary embolism are also causes of pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension, along with right-sided heart enlargement and heart failure; can lead to risky situations such as arrhythmia, lung bleeding and blood clots. Regular cardiological examinations must be performed for pulmonary hypertension.

It Poses a Risk in Terms of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is very risky in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, the medications used in treatment are dangerous for the baby. Generally, pregnancy is not recommended in this situation. Because the mother's vital risk is high during childbirth. There is also a risk of this disease being passed to the baby.

Drug Therapy Is Recommended

Treatment in patients diagnosed with lung hypertension is shaped according to their age and underlying causes. The diagnosis of patients becomes clear after angiography. Once it is clarified, pulmonary hypertension treatment methods are initiated. There are drug therapy options for this disease. These drugs are prescribed by physicians. Patients should come for physician check-ups every 3 months. If a single drug is not sufficient, depending on the patient's condition, a second or third drug can be used.