Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include:
- shortness of breath
- tiredness
- feeling faint or dizzy
- chest pain (angina)
- a racing heartbeat (palpitations)
- swelling (oedemic) in the legs, ankles, feet or tummy (abdomen)
The symptoms often get worse during exercise, which can limit your ability to take part in physical activities.
If you have a type of pulmonary hypertension known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), you may not have any symptoms until the condition is quite advanced.
When to see a GP
See a GP if you have any symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. They may ask you about your symptoms and medical history, and they may carry out a physical examination.
Correctly diagnosing pulmonary hypertension can sometimes take time because its symptoms are similar to those of many other heart and lung conditions.
Tests you may have include a type of heart scan called an echocardiogram, and right heart catheterization, where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into your pulmonary artery.
Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension
The changes in the pulmonary arteries that lead to pulmonary hypertension can be caused by:
- problems with the smaller branches of the pulmonary arteries (PAH)
- conditions that affect the left side of the heart
- lung diseases or a shortage of oxygen in the body (hypoxia)
- blood clots that cause narrowing or a blockage in the pulmonary arteries
Treating Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension cannot be cured, but treatment can reduce the symptoms and help you manage your condition.
Pulmonary hypertension usually gets worse over time. Left untreated, it may cause heart failure, which can be fatal, so it's important to start treatment as soon as possible.
If another condition is causing pulmonary hypertension, the underlying condition should be treated first. This can sometimes prevent the pulmonary arteries being permanently damaged.
Treatments for pulmonary hypertension may include anticoagulant medicines to reduce the blood's ability to thicken (clot) and diuretics to remove excess fluid as a result of heart failure.
You may also be offered medicine to widen the blood vessels.
Home oxygen treatment may also be prescribed if the level of oxygen in your blood is low.
Outlook
The outlook for pulmonary hypertension varies, depending on factors such as:
- what's causing it
- how well you respond to treatment
- any other health conditions you have
