Pulmonary Hypertension
There are various reasons why the pulmonary artery pressure could be high. These include heart problems, chronic lung diseases, inflammation of the blood vessels due to certain diseases and clots within the pulmonary arteries.
Treatment is based on the cause and could include oxygen supplementation, anticoagulation, and other therapeutics that dilate the pulmonary arteries.
A common cause of pulmonary hypertension is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which causes inflammation of the airways and obstructed airflow from the lung. Cigarette smoking is strongly associated with COPD. Pulmonary hypertension in the presence of COPD is always worrisome as this signifies severe disease. Cessation of smoking can slow the progression of COPD and may reverse the pulmonary hypertension.
Melomed Private Hospital Richards Bay is fully equipped with all the services required to diagnose and manage this condition effectively.
