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Pulmonary hypertension

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Respiratory system
Respiratory system
Primary pulmonary hypertension
Primary pulmonary hypertension

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pulmonary arterial hypertension; Sporadic primary pulmonary hypertension; Familial primary pulmonary hypertension; Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension; Primary pulmonary hypertension; PPH; Secondary pulmonary hypertension

Definition    Return to top

Pulmonary hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart need to work harder than normal.

Causes    Return to top

Normally, the left side of the heart produces a high blood pressure in order to pump blood to the body. The right side of the heart pumps blood through the lungs under much lower pressure.

Pulmonary hypertension is usually caused by a narrowing of the small arteries of the lung. This narrowing makes it harder for the right side of the heart to circulate the blood to the lungs. Over time, the right side of the heart may become enlarged and een fail (cor pulmonale).

Pumonary hypertension may be caused by:

In many cases, the cause is unknown, in which case the condition is known as idiopathic pulmonary arteril hypertension (IPAH).

If it is caused by a known medicine or medical condition, it is called secondary pulmonary hypertension.

IPAH is rare. It affects more women than men.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A physical examination may show:

In early stages of the disease, the exam may be normal or almost normal. The condition may take several months to diagnose. Asthma causes similar symptoms and must be ruled out.

Tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

There is no known cure. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. When the pulmonary hypertension is brought on my another condition, then treatment is usually directed at that underlying disease.

Many new treatment options for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and other forms of pulmonary aterial hypertension are becoming available. Medicines used to treat pulmonary hypertension include:

Your doctor will decide which medicine is best for you. You will be closely monitored during treatment to watch for side effects and how well you're responding to the medication.

Some patients are put on blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots in leg veins and lung arteries.

People with advanced cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension may need oxygen. If treatment with medications fails, suitable candidates may be helped by a lung or heart-lung transplant.

As the illness progresses, changes in the home environment and more help around the home will be needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outlook has been poor, but new therapies may produce better results. Some people with this condition may develop progressive heart failure that may lead to death.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if:

Most patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension are treated at centers that specialize in the care of these patients.

References    Return to top

Badesch DB, Abman SH, Simonneau G, et al. Medical Therapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Updated ACCP Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2007: 131(6).

Barst RJ. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 67.

Update Date: 4/24/2009

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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