Ways To Treat Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the heart. It is a serious disease and is different than systemic hypertension, which affects the whole body and is comparatively minor. Pulmonary hypertension results in both a narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs. Early symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right area of the abdomen, and a fast heartbeat. As the disease progresses, symptoms expand to include leg or ankle swelling, fainting or feeling lightheaded, and a bluish tinge to the lips or skin. This form of hypertension can be diagnosed with a series of specialized heart tests, including an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and a chest CT or MRI. Blood tests, chest x-rays, sleep studies, and lung perfusion scans may also be useful in obtaining a diagnosis. While pulmonary hypertension cannot be cured, steps can be taken to control and improve symptoms. The following methods provide symptom management and an enhanced quality of life for pulmonary hypertension patients.