For the operation of the body, blood, blood vessels, heart, and lungs are essential. Pulmonary hypertension is a disease of the lungs caused by a blood flow disruption. Blood that is deficient in oxygen runs into large veins in the heart. Then blood is sent to the heart’s low-pressure right ventricle to be injected into the lungs.Here, the blood absorbs enough oxygen, flows to the left heart ventricle at high pressure, and continues to the rest of the body.
Pulmonary hypertension occurs when pulmonary arteries narrow and stiff, which affects or prevents the flow of blood. The blood pressure in the lungs gradually increases above average, forcing the right ventricle of the heart to work hard to circulate blood into the lungs. Over time, the increased attempts made by the right ventricle to push the blood causes wear and tear of the cardiac muscle, leading to the collapse of the right side of the heart. If there are early signs, visit the pulmonologist at an Essex heart clinic.Here, what causes pulmonary hypertension, the symptoms, risk factors, and health consequences are illustrated.
Causes
Damage to cells lining the pulmonary arteries is the predominant cause of pulmonary hypertension. Genetic, environmental, health disorders, toxins, or medication may also be the causes that may contribute to the injury. The possible underlying causes include:
- Clots of blood
- Pulmonary chronic conditions
- Congenital Cardiac Conditions
- Disease of connective tissue
- Coronary artery sickness
- Elevated blood pressure
- Infection with HIV
- Hepatic disease
- Vascular illnesses
Symptoms
The signs are closely linked to respiratory disorders and heart diseases, making it impossible to detect early on. With that said, a few telltale signs are visible, such as:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Tiredness
- Lightheadedness
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach, leg, and ankle inflammation
- Weakness
Risk Factors
Pulmonary hypertension can occur in people of any age and gender. Women and older adults, though, are at higher risk. Many of the disorder’s other contributing factors include:
- Asbestos exposure
- Family history of the disorder
- High altitude
- Illegal drugs
- Overweight
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Weight-loss drugs
Health Effects Or Complications
It may be life-threatening to suffer exacerbations caused by pulmonary hypertension. The most frequent result of the condition is right-sided heart failure that leads to death. Additional critical risks are:
- Bleeding of lungs
- Lung blood clots
- Enlargement of the heart’s right side
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Hypertrophy in the myocardium
Due to a lack of oxygen in the blood circulating to the lungs, pulmonary hypertension may happen. While there is no treatment or preventive medication to suppress the disease, it may be helpful to avoid the illness by following a healthier diet, preventing the use of illegal narcotics or contaminants, and taking medicine recommended by the pulmonologist at every Essex heart clinic.
