Pulmonary hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure of blood flowing through the arteries of the lungs is higher than normal. This disease affects both men and women, but is especially prevalent among older women, with 61 percent of all people hospitalized between 2000 and 2002 being women over age 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
With pulmonary hypertension, the blood vessels supplying the lungs constrict and thicken so they arent able to carry as much blood. This results in pressure building up and the heart having to work harder to force blood through. If the pressure remains high for some time, the heart will eventually not be able to keep up, circulating less blood through the lungs and causing dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness. Other symptoms include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fainting, swollen ankles and legs and a swollen abdomen.
Pulmonary hypertension often occurs because of another disease, such as heart and blood vessel diseases, lung diseases, sleep apnea and liver diseases. This is called secondary pulmonary hypertension, as it is a result of the original disease. As long as the original condition that caused pulmonary hypertension still exists, it will continue to cause pulmonary hypertension. Even if you cure the original illness, there is no guarantee that it will cure the high blood pressure.
Despite this, there are numerous treatments available for pulmonary hypertension. Depending on the severity, you may be prescribed medications, diuretics or anticoagulants to lower your blood pressure or you may be treated with oxygen. Sometimes a lung transplant is required. Although it is a lifelong illness, people with pulmonary hypertension are still able to have an active life.
