Pulmonary hypertension is the high blood pressure in the arteries that provide the lungs with the blood. It is also referred to as PHT. The blood pressure that is measured by the cuff on one’s arm does not give an indication of the pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary hypertension is a severe lung and heart disorder which is related to the blood vessels in the lung. These blood vessels constrict in a patient with pulmonary hypertension and thereby go on to increase the pressure in the pulmonary artery which connects the heart to the lungs. It is a life threatening situation as this situation causes the tiny blood vessels to constrict and in some cases get blocked which stops the free flow of blood to the lungs.
The symptoms to watch out for in case of pulmonary hypertension are shortness of breath with even minimal amounts of exertion. It could also manifest itself in extreme fatigue, chest pain, and dizzy spells. Most of the times people who are diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension will not have a life span of more than three years. However, early diagnosis and treatment can enable a person to live up to ten years after the disease was first diagnosed.
Pulmonary Hypertension is a rare affliction of the heart arteries. In most cases it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed after at least about two years from its onset. This makes it quite late to save the patient. The chances of mortality for patients with Pulmonary Hypertension depend on the treatment options available and the quickness with which they have been sought.
Pulmonary hypertension is common amongst people who exert themselves. Hence, it is seen commonly amongst athletes and sports persons. This ailment can affect the mind and the body of the individual and can be quite restrictive. In fact certain weight loss pills and anti-obesity pills have been known to cause pulmonary hypertension as an after effect.
These days there are several beneficial treatments available and they work well if the person goes to the doctor as soon as he starts feeling shortness of breath. There are treatments that allow a person to lead a normal life and there will be no signs of fatigue whatsoever.
Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension need a lot of support from their families and friends. Things that a normal person wouldn’t even think twice about such as going for a walk may tire out the person. This can be quite depressing for the patient but with the right amount of medical monitoring and medication the person can lead as normal a life as possible under the circumstances.
The person needs a lot of emotional support too. The medications could also have further side effects which could already be draining on the person’s stamina. Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension have been known to have a lowered life span and mortality and that can be extremely daunting for the patient.
People with Pulmonary Hypertension will have their good days and not so good days just like all of us in this world. With medication and support you will certainly be able to come out a winner.