Signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include:
- Blue lips and skin (cyanosis)
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Unsteadiness or fainting episodes (syncope)
- Fast heartbeat or a hammering pulse (palpitations)
- Fatigue
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath), first during exercise, then later while at rest
- ankle, leg, and eventually abdominal swelling (edema) (abdomen)
How is pulmonary hypertension caused?
Some of the factors that lead to pulmonary hypertension are:
- Heart disease
- HIV and blood clots in the lungs
- Drug abuse
- Liver diseases like liver cirrhosis
- Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- A congenital disability in your heart
- Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or pulmonary fibrosis are examples of lung conditions
- Slumber apnea
How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?
As pulmonary hypertension is seldom found during a standard physical examination, it might be difficult to identify in its early stages. The signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are similar to those of other heart and lung disorders, even when it is more advanced.
Your health doctor will examine you physically and go over your symptoms to determine whether you have pulmonary hypertension. Your medical and family history will probably be discussed.
To assist in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, blood and imaging tests are also performed.
How is pulmonary hypertension treated?
Your treatment approach will be personalized for you as pulmonary hypertension manifests itself differently in each patient. Find out your options and what to anticipate from your doctor.
Your doctor will first focus on the root cause of your illness. If you are having difficulty in breathing or have low blood oxygen levels, oxygen treatment, which involves breathing pure oxygen through prongs that go into your nose, might be helpful. Having pulmonary hypertension makes you live longer. Your doctor will advise blood thinners if you are at risk for blood clots. Other medications help your heart function better and prevent fluid buildup in your body.