Pulmonary Hypertension: The Silent Condition That Affects Your Heart and Lungs

Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries connecting the heart and the lungs. It is different from the common form of high blood pressure measured in the arm. If left untreated, pulmonary hypertension can strain the heart and lead to serious complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure inside the arteries of the lungs becomes abnormally high.

According to Dr Deebanshu Gupta, Interventional Cardiologist at Sarvodya Hospital, Jalandhar, “Normally, the right side of the heart pumps blood through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. When these arteries become narrowed, blocked, or damaged, the heart has to work much harder to push blood through them.”

Over time, this extra strain can weaken the right side of the heart and eventually lead to heart failure.

How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Different From Regular Hypertension

Many people confuse pulmonary hypertension with ordinary high blood pressure.

• Regular high blood pressure, also known as systemic hypertension, affects the arteries throughout the body.
• Pulmonary hypertension affects only the blood vessels in the lungs and places pressure on the right side of the heart.

A person can have pulmonary hypertension without high blood pressure elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms To Identify

According to a report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, symptoms often develop gradually and may be mild in the early stages. This is one reason why the condition is sometimes diagnosed late.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort or chest pain
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fainting, especially during exertion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Swelling in the ankles, legs, or abdomen
• Blue lips or fingertips in advanced cases

Because these symptoms can also occur in many other conditions, medical evaluation is important.

What Causes It

Pulmonary hypertension develops when the arteries in the lungs become narrowed, stiff, or blocked. There are several possible causes.

Heart disease
Certain heart conditions, especially diseases affecting the left side of the heart, can increase pressure in the lungs and eventually lead to pulmonary hypertension.

Lung disease
According to a study published in PubMed, long-term lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and severe sleep apnoea can damage the blood vessels in the lungs.

Blood clots
Repeated or long-standing blood clots in the lungs can block blood flow and increase pressure within the pulmonary arteries.

Autoimmune diseases
Conditions such as scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension because they can damage blood vessels.

Liver disease
Advanced liver disease and portal hypertension are also associated with certain forms of pulmonary hypertension.

Who Is At Risk?

Although pulmonary hypertension can affect anyone, some people have a higher risk.
Risk factors include:

• A family history of pulmonary hypertension
• Congenital heart disease
• Chronic lung diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic liver disease
• Previous blood clots in the lungs
• Obesity
• Sleep apnoea
• Certain medicines or recreational drugs
• HIV infection

Women are more likely than men to develop some forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, although both sexes can be affected.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension

Because the symptoms are often non-specific, doctors usually perform several tests before confirming the diagnosis. These may include:

• Physical examination
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests
• Lung function tests
• CT scan

Right heart catheterisation, which is considered the most accurate test for confirming pulmonary hypertension

These tests help determine both the severity of the condition and its underlying cause.

Can Pulmonary Hypertension Be Treated?

According to the CDC, although pulmonary hypertension cannot always be cured, treatment can improve symptoms, slow disease progression and help people remain active. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Medicines that relax or widen the pulmonary arteries
• Blood-thinning medicines in selected patients
• Diuretics to reduce fluid build-up
• Oxygen therapy
• Medicines for heart failure or underlying lung disease
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Surgery or lung transplantation in carefully selected cases

People with pulmonary hypertension require regular follow-up with specialists to monitor their condition.

Also Read: What High Blood Pressure Really Does to Your Body?

When To See a Doctor

Do not ignore persistent breathlessness or unexplained fatigue, especially if symptoms gradually become worse. You should seek medical advice if you experience:

• Breathlessness during routine activities
• Swollen ankles or legs
• Chest pain during exertion
• Frequent dizziness or fainting
• Unexplained tiredness lasting several weeks

Final Word

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition in which high blood pressure develops in the arteries of the lungs, forcing the heart to work harder than normal. Although its symptoms may appear mild at first, untreated pulmonary hypertension can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening complications. People with chronic lung disease, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, previous blood clots or a family history of pulmonary hypertension may have a higher risk.