What is Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?
Causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension
The causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension may be for no apparent reason, also called idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. When PAH is caused by some other condition, it is called secondary pulmonary hypertension. The causes for secondary PAH include conditions such as:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Mitral valve regurgitation
Mitral valve stenosis
Sarcoidosis
Sickle cell anemia
Sleep apnea
Other possible causes for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension:
Having connective tissue disorders
Having an HIV infection
Family history of PAH
Liver disorders
Continued use of cocaine or amphetamines
Using anti-obesity drugs like dexfenfluramine (trade name is Redux)
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension
The signs and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension include:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fainting
Palpitations
Non-productive cough
Coughing up blood
Swelling around the ankles and knees
Diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension
The following tests that may be used for the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension:
Echocardiogram (ECHO ultrasound of the heart) - An ECHO determines the shape and size of the heart. The technician or doctor doing the test records and measures the functioning of the heart valves and the chambers of the heart.
Right heart catheterization - In a right heart catheterization, a catheter is inserted into the subclavian vein or the femoral vein; the catheter is then advanced into the right ventricle. With this procedure the doctor can monitor the arterial blood pressure flowing into the right ventricle.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) - An electrocardiogram measures the electrical conductivity of the heart.
Chest X-ray - The chest X-ray can show enlargement of the right side of the heart.
MRI - An MRI is a non-invasive way for the doctor to visualize the inside of the heart, valves and blood vessels.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan - The PET scan shows the level of the heart's chemical activity.
Treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension - There are several ways to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension; they include:
Coumadin - Anticoagulant medications like Coumadin prevent clotting in the pulmonary arteries and other blood vessels in the body.
Bosentan - Bosentan is a medication that helps to widen the pulmonary arteries and thereby reducing the blood pressure in those arteries.
Calcium channel blockers - Calcium channel blockers help to relax the blood vessels; this helps to increase blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.
Epoprostenol - Epoprostenol helps to widen the pulmonary arteries and also helps to prevent the formation of blood clots. This medication is usually given intravenously.
Iloprost - Patients are nebulized with Iloprost. This medication reaches the lungs right away and prevents blood clots from forming.
Nitric oxide inhalation - Nitric oxide inhalation widens the pulmonary arteries and lessens pulmonary artery blood pressure.
Treprostinil - Treprostinil relaxes the vessels and increases the supply of blood to the lungs.
Other treatments for PAH are oxygen treatment and lung transplantation.
Conclusion
A person may not know right away that he/she has PAH because the signs and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) don't manifest until the right side of the heart begins to fail. Because there are many possible causes for pulmonary arterial hypertension, a diagnosis can only be made after a physical examination, diagnostic testing is done. Your doctor may ask you if you questions about your lifestyle habits such as smoking and drug use. You may feel embarrassed to be asked these questions, but your doctor must ask these questions to get a clear idea of what is going on inside of your body.
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Published by Charlene Collins
Charlene Collins is a retired licensed practical nurse from Bethlehem, Georgia. She has both career and personal experience with several types of physical and mental health conditions. First and foremost, Ch... View profile
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