Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment Options
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where blood vessels in the lungs constrict, causing high pressure in the arteries. Learn about treatment options for pulmonary hypertension!
Pulmonary hypertension is a serious medical condition that affects the heart and lungs. It causes increased pressure in the arteries leading to the lungs, which leads to symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and chest pain.
What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a group of diseases characterized by an increase in blood flow resistance within the pulmonary circulation. This results in elevated pulmonary artery pressures, which lead to right ventricular failure and death. PH is classified into five groups based on the underlying cause: primary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), congenital systemic to pulmonary shunts, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), miscellaneous forms of PAH, and other rarer forms of PH.
Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension
There are several different causes of PH, including genetic mutations, autoimmune disorders, connective tissue diseases, drugs, toxins, and infections. In some cases, no clear cause can be identified.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertention
If you suspect you might have PH, talk with your doctor right away. You should also make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), sleep apnea, or lung cancer.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertensive
There are two main types of pulmonary hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary pulmonary hypertension occurs when there is no known cause for the condition. Secondary pulmonary hypertension occurs when another medical condition is present.
Treatment Options for Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is treated with medications and/or surgery. Medications used to treat pulmonary hypertension include calcium channel blockers (CCBs), endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is), prostacyclin analogues (PGIs), and soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators (SGCs). Surgery includes lung transplantation and balloon atrial septostomy.