What Is Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disorder that causes the blood vessels in the right side of your pulmonary artery to abnormally increase in pressure. When pulmonary hypertension occurs, and no apparent reasons are found to the cause of the disease, it is classified as primary pulmonary hypertension.

Primary pulmonary hypertension, also known as precapillary pulmonary hypertension, or pulmonary arterial hypertension can be detected through a series of medical tests, which can include an electrocardiogram test, a chest x-ray, a nuclear scan of the lungs, and by doing a CT scan on your chest. An echocardiogram can also be performed to confirm the existence of primary pulmonary hypertension in an individual.

Difficulty in breathing, exhaustion, weakness, nausea, episodes of hyperventilation and the existence of a blue coloring that is found on the hands, feet and lips are some symptoms of this disease. Oftentimes, the feeling of lightheadedness during increased physical activity and the swelling of ankles, feet and legs can also be noticed.

The causes of primary pulmonary hypertension has not yet been discovered; however, inconclusive studies show that medications that are taken to decrease a person’s appetite can help increase the chances contracting this medical condition. Other inconclusive studies show that a certain kind of gene mutation can also cause the disease to occur. An individual who contracts HIV, liver cirrhosis and has been regularly taking stimulants may also have a high chance of being infected with primary pulmonary hypertension.

While it is known that patients who have been diagnosed with primary pulmonary hypertension react differently to certain pulmonary hypertension medications, cardiac catheterization is performed in order to be able to determine the type of hypertension medications that will work well for each individual. Some patients are treated with channel blocking drugs containing calcium, which is administered orally, while others are treated with vasodilator medication when there is no response to the calcium channel blocker. Some doctors also prescribe medication that would ease the functioning of the lung’s right ventricle and can include diuretics,which can get rid of some of the fluids in your body, or anticoagulants which eliminates any blood clots in your system.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is an illness that requires immediate medical attention. Failure to do so can cause your heart to malfunction, and can cause the death of an individual.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.