Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries taking blood to the heart is high. These arteries are called the pulmonary arteries and are shown in the figure.

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.

The symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the lower limbs, palpitations and chest pain. Doctors are able to look for signs of pulmonary hypertension when they perform an examination. The diagnosis can only be made after special tests are done and thereafter investigations are done to determine the cause.

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.