Pulmonary Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery increases above the normal level.

Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension can be categorized in two ways-
1) Primary
2) Secondary
Secondary Hypertension is very common disease. The main reason of causing primary pulmonary hypertension is not known, but it begins with contraction of the muscle layer in the pulmonary arteries. The secondary pulmonary hypertension occurs due to any of disease that causes sustained periods of low oxygen in the blood or impedes the flow of blood through the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most common causes of pulmonary hypertension.

Signs and Symptoms

Some common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are given below -
1) a shortness of breath
2) feel light headed or fatigued upon exertion
3) chest pain
4) feel weakness
5) coughing and wheezing
6) swelling, particularly in the legs

Treatment for pulmonary Hypertension

The treatment of pulmonary hypertension is depend upon its type ( primary or secondary ) . When the pulmonary hypertension is caused by itself then it is known as primary pulmonary hypertension. Medication is the best treatment
for the primary pulmonary hypertension, in rare cases lung transplant can be done. Inhaled oxygen, nitric oxide (improve the heart function), intravenous prostacyclin, anticoagulants (to prevent blood clots in the lungs), diuretics, digoxin are includes in the treatment of the primary pulmonary hypertension.
The secondary pulmonary hypertension is caused by some another disease. The treatment for secondary pulmonary hypertension can be done by treatment of the underlying disease.


Prevention

A change in lifestyle such as a daily exercise, healthy diet, avoid smoking, proper rest is required to prevent you from pulmonary hypertension.