Pulmonary Hypertension : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment an Prevention

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels from the heart to the lungs is too high.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension

Shortness of breath or dizziness during activity is an early symptom. Heart rate becomes fast (palpitations). Over time, symptoms appear when engaging in light activities or even at rest. Other symptoms, including:

•     Swollen feet and ankles;
•     Bluish tint on the lips or skin (cyanosis);
•     Chest pain as if pressed, usually in the front;
•     Dizzy and even faint;
•     Fatigue;
•     Increased stomach size; and
•     Limp body.

Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension

In pulmonary hypertension, an increase in blood pressure occurs due to changes in the cells lining the pulmonary arteries. These changes can cause the walls of the pulmonary arteries to become thicker and stiffer, and the formation of excess tissue.

Blood vessels can also become inflamed. Changes that occur in the pulmonary arteries can reduce or inhibit blood flow through blood vessels. This can make it harder for blood to flow, which causes an increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

Pulmonary hypertension is divided into five groups, based on the cause, namely pulmonary hypertension with unknown causes, pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease, pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease, pulmonary hypertension due to chronic blood clots, and pulmonary hypertension due to other conditions, such as blood disorders. metabolic disorders, or tumors.

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Hypertension

Some of the factors associated with an increased risk of pulmonary hypertension include:

• Adolescence, due to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries most often occurs in adolescents;
• Excess weight;
• Having a family member with a history of pulmonary hypertension;
• Having one or more medical conditions that increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension;
• Using illegal drugs, such as cocaine; and
• Taking appetite-suppressing drugs.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension

At the beginning of the diagnosis process, the doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced, the history of the same disease in the family, the medical history of the sufferer, and the drugs that are again consumed by the sufferer. The doctor will also do a physical examination to assess the condition of the heart, lungs, and see signs of swelling in the legs and ankles.

To confirm the diagnosis, several investigations also need to be done, including:

• Chest X-ray. This test aims to determine the presence of swelling in the right ventricle of the heart or blood vessels of the lungs, which is a sign of pulmonary hypertension.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). To determine the electrical activity of the heart and detect heart rhythm disorders
• Echocardiography. Echocardiography or ultrasound of the heart is done to produce images of the heart and estimate the amount of pressure on the pulmonary arteries and the workings of both parts of the heart to pump blood.
• Lung function test. Lung function tests are performed to determine the flow of air entering and leaving the lungs, using an instrument called a spirometer.
• Cardiac catheterization. This is done after the person has undergone an echocardiographic examination to confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension while knowing the severity of the condition. With right heart catheterization, doctors can measure the pressure of the heart's pulmonary arteries and right ventricles.
• Scanning. Scans such as CT or MRI scans are used to obtain a clearer picture of the size and function of the heart, clots in blood vessels, and blood flow to the blood vessels of the lungs.
• V / Q scan or ventilation-perfusion scan. This scan aims to detect the presence of blood clots that cause pulmonary hypertension. In this scan, a special radioactive substance will be injected into a vein in the arm to map the flow of blood and air to the lungs.
• Blood test. To see the presence of substances such as methamphetamine, or other diseases such as liver disease that can trigger pulmonary hypertension.
• Polysomnography. Used to observe blood pressure and oxygen, heart rate, and brain activity during sleep. This tool is also used to recognize sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
• Lung biopsy. Done by taking samples of lung tissue to see abnormalities in the lungs that can be a cause of pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment

Treatment of pulmonary hypertension aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the progression of this condition. If pulmonary hypertension is caused by another medical condition, the doctor will treat the underlying medical condition if possible.

Some types of treatment that can be done include:

• Treatment. Treatment of pulmonary hypertension can include drugs to trigger dilatation of blood vessels, drugs to block calcium receptors, anti-coagulant drugs, and so on. The use of drugs is intended to reduce pulmonary blood pressure.
•  Surgical procedure. If treatment cannot control the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, several surgical procedures can be performed to help overcome the signs and symptoms that arise.

Prevention of Pulmonary Hypertension

Prevention of pulmonary hypertension depends on the underlying disease. Taking a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking, getting enough rest, undergoing a healthy diet, and doing regular physical activities can reduce the risk of pulmonary hypertension.

When to see a doctor?

If your family or relatives experience any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above or have any questions, discuss them with your doctor. If you want to do an examination, can immediately make an appointment with a doctor of choice in the hospital closest to your domicile.

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