Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a serious disease that affects the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs, the so-called pulmonary arteries. These arteries narrow, become thicker and less flexible. Therefore, the blood flow to the lungs decreases and the heart has a harder time pumping blood through these vessels.

It is a chronic and progressive disease in which, over time, the heart weakens and heart failure can occur, as well as arrhythmias, bleeding and other cardiovascular problems.

Although there are several types of pulmonary hypertension depending on its cause, it is a serious condition and its symptoms can be noticed in an advanced state of the disease, so early detection is essential to be able to follow up and reduce the discomfort it can cause in affected people.

Who does pulmonary hypertension affect?

Pulmonary hypertension can have multiple causes:

• Genetic or congenital: there are family antecedents.
• Idiopathic: the cause that causes it is unknown.
• Secondary: appears as a consequence of other diseases.
  • Previous heart or lung diseases.
  • Use of certain medicines or illegal drugs.
  • Systemic diseases such as HIV, chronic liver or connective tissue diseases.
  • Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.
  • Advanced renal failure.

Specifically, pulmonary hypertension or idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), one of the most common types, usually occurs in people between 30 and 60 years old, and is much more frequent in women.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension

The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension can manifest themselves after several years of illness, very slowly and when the heart and lungs already have serious damage. In addition, they can be confused with those of other respiratory diseases, so their diagnosis can be complex.

The main signs of this disease are:

• Dyspnea.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Fatigue.
• Bluish color in the skin or lips (cyanosis).
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Swelling in some areas of the body (ankles)
• Increased heart rate.

Treatment of pulmonary hypertension

Although there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, there are treatments that can relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and slow down its progression. The treatment depends on the type and cause of the disease.

The most frequent options include:

• Vasodilators: they help reduce the pressure in the pulmonary vessels.
• Anticoagulants: prevent the formation of clots.
• Diuretics: reduce fluid accumulation
• Oxygen therapy: improves oxygenation in patients with low O₂ levels.
• Surgeries: such as auricular septostomy or, in extreme cases, lung or heart transplantation.

Specialized monitoring with OXYGEN salud

At OXIGEN Salud we collaborate with medical professionals to provide therapeutic solutions such as home oxygen therapy, key in the symptomatic treatment of pulmonary hypertension. In addition, we offer a comprehensive service of assistance, training and technical support for the safe and effective use of our respiratory equipment.