Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the lungs (pulmonary arteries). It's a serious condition that can damage the right side of the heart. See your GP if you have any symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, (see symptoms section below).
About pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a rare condition that can affect people of all ages. But it's more common in people who have another heart or lung condition.
The walls of the pulmonary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the lungs) become thick and stiff, and can't expand as well to allow blood through.
The reduced blood flow makes it harder for the right-hand side of the heart to pump blood through the arteries.
If the right-hand side of your heart has to continually work harder, it can gradually become weaker. This can lead to heart failure.
Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension
Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include:
- shortness of breath
- Tiredness and fatigue
- feeling faint or dizzy
- chest pain (angina)
- a racing heartbeat (palpitations)
- swelling (oedema) in the legs, ankles, feet or tummy (abdomen)
The symptoms often get worse during exercise, which can limit your ability to take part in physical activities.
If you have a type of pulmonary hypertension known as pulmonary hypertension - Search, you may not have any symptoms until the condition is quite advanced.
When to see your GP
See your GP if you have any symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. They'll ask you about your symptoms and medical history and they may carry out a physical examination.
Correctly diagnosing pulmonary hypertension can sometimes take time. This is because its symptoms are similar to those of many other heart and lung conditions.
Tests you may have include a type of heart scan called an Echocardiogram, and right heart catheterisation, where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into your pulmonary artery.
Causes of pulmonary hypertension
The changes in the pulmonary arteries that lead to pulmonary hypertension can be caused by:
- problems with the smaller branches of the pulmonary arteries (PAH)
- conditions that affect the left side of the heart
- lung diseases or a shortage of oxygen in the body (hypoxia)
- Blood clots that cause narrowing or a blockage in the pulmonary arteries
Treating pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension can't be cured. But treatment can reduce the symptoms and help you manage your condition.
Pulmonary hypertension usually gets worse over time. Left untreated, it may cause heart failure, which can be fatal, so it's important treatment is started as soon as possible.
If another condition is causing pulmonary hypertension, the underlying condition should be treated first. This can sometimes prevent the pulmonary arteries from being permanently damaged.
Treatments for pulmonary hypertension may include Anticoagulant medicines to reduce the blood's ability to thicken (clot) and diuretics to remove excess fluid as a result of heart failure.
You may also be offered medication to widen the blood vessels.
Home oxygen therapy may also be prescribed if the level of oxygen in your blood is low.
Outlook
The outlook for pulmonary hypertension varies, depending on factors such as:
- what's causing it
- how quickly it's diagnosed
- how advanced your symptoms are
- whether you have another underlying health condition
The specialist in charge of your care will be able to give you more detailed information.
More useful links
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information see terms and conditions.