BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuPulmonary hypertensionPulmonary arterial hypertension; Sporadic primary pulmonary hypertension; Familial primary pulmonary hypertension; Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension; Primary pulmonary hypertension; PPH; Secondary pulmonary hypertension; Cor pulmonale - pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal. Causes The right side of the heart pumps blood through the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. Blood returns to the left side of the heart, where it is pumped to the rest of the body.When the small arteries (blood vessels) of the lungs become narrowed, they cannot carry as much blood. When this happens, pressure builds up. This is called pulmonary hypertension.The heart needs to work harder to force the blood through the vessels against this pressure. Over time, this causes the right side of the heart to become larger. This condition is called right-sided heart failure, or cor pulmonale.Cor pulmonaleCor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the arteries of the lung and right ve...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary hypertension may be caused by:Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis Autoimmune diseasesAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 types of aut...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SclerodermaScleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of scar-like tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Birth defects of the heart Blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs. The most common cause of the blockage is a blood clot.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart failure Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart valve disease HIV infection Low oxygen levels in the blood for a long time (chronic) Lung disease, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis or any other severe chronic lung condition COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary fibrosisIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines (for example, certain diet drugs) Obstructive sleep apneaObstructive sleep apneaObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem in which your breathing pauses during sleep. This occurs because of narrowed or blocked airways.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In rare cases, the cause of pulmonary hypertension is unknown. In this case, the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Idiopathic means the cause of a disease is not known. IPAH affects more women than men.If pulmonary hypertension is caused by a known medicine or medical condition, it is called secondary pulmonary hypertension. Symptoms Shortness of breath or lightheadedness during activity is often the first symptom. Fast heart rate (palpitations) may be present. Over time, symptoms occur with lighter activity or even while at rest.PalpitationsPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms include:Ankle and leg swelling Bluish color of the lips or skin (cyanosis) CyanosisA bluish color to the skin or mucous membrane is usually due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. The medical term is cyanosis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain or pressure, most often in the front of the chest Dizziness or fainting spells Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Increased abdomen size WeaknessWeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article People with pulmonary hypertension often have symptoms that come and go. They report good days and bad days. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The exam may find:Abnormal heart sounds Feeling of a pulse over the breastbone Heart murmur on the right side of the heart Heart murmurA heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound heard during a heartbeat. The sound is caused by turbulent (rough) blood flow through the h...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Larger-than-normal veins in the neck Leg swelling Liver and spleen swelling Normal breath sounds if pulmonary hypertension is idiopathic or due to congenital heart disease Abnormal breath sounds if pulmonary hypertension is from other lung diseaseIn the early stages of the disease, the exam may be normal or almost normal. The condition may take several months to diagnose. Asthma and other diseases may cause similar symptoms and must be ruled out.Tests that may be ordered include:Blood tests Cardiac catheterization Cardiac catheterizationCardiac catheterization involves passing a thin flexible tube (catheter) into the right or left side of the heart. The catheter is most often insert...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the chest CT scan of the chestA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Echocardiogram EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ECG ECGAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung function tests Nuclear lung scan Lung scanLung gallium scan is a type of nuclear scan that uses radioactive gallium to identify swelling (inflammation) in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary arteriogram Pulmonary arteriogramPulmonary angiography is a test to see how blood flows through the lung. Angiography is an imaging test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 6-minute walk test Sleep study Tests to check for autoimmune problems Treatment There is no cure for pulmonary hypertension. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent more lung damage. It is important to treat medical disorders that cause pulmonary hypertension, such as obstructive sleep apnea, lung conditions, and heart valve problems.Many treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension are available. If you are prescribed medicines, they may be taken by mouth (oral), received through the vein (intravenous, or IV), or breathed in (inhaled).Your provider will decide which medicine is best for you. You will be closely monitored during treatment to watch for side effects and to see how well you are responding to the medicine. DO NOT stop taking your medicines without talking to your provider.Other treatments may include:Blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots, especially if you have IPAH Oxygen therapy at home Oxygen therapy at homeBecause of your medical problem, you may need to use oxygen to help you breathe. You will need to know how to use and store your oxygen.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lung, or in some cases, heart-lung transplant, if medicines do not work Other important tips to follow:Avoid pregnancy Avoid heavy physical activities and lifting Avoid traveling to high altitudes Get a yearly flu vaccine, as well as other vaccines such as the pneumonia vaccine Stop smoking Outlook (Prognosis) How well you do depends on what caused the condition. Medicines for IPAH may help slow the disease.As the illness gets worse, you will need to make changes in your home to help you get around the house.Make changes in your homePulmonary hypertension (PAH) is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. With PAH, the right side of the heart has to work harde...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if:You begin to develop shortness of breath when you are active Shortness of breath gets worse You develop chest pain You develop other symptoms Open ReferencesReferencesChin K, Channick RN. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 58.Mclaughlin VV, Humbert M. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 85.AllVideoImagesTogRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationPrimary pulmonary hypertension - illustration Pulmonary hypertension is the narrowing of the pulmonary arterioles within the lung. The narrowing of the arteries creates resistance and an increased work load for the heart. The heart becomes enlarged from pumping blood against the resistance. Some symptoms include chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The goal of treatment is control of the symptoms, although the disease usually develops into congestive heart failure.Primary pulmonary hypertensionillustrationHeart-lung transplant - series - Normal anatomyPresentation Respiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationPrimary pulmonary hypertension - illustration Pulmonary hypertension is the narrowing of the pulmonary arterioles within the lung. The narrowing of the arteries creates resistance and an increased work load for the heart. The heart becomes enlarged from pumping blood against the resistance. Some symptoms include chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The goal of treatment is control of the symptoms, although the disease usually develops into congestive heart failure.Primary pulmonary hypertensionillustration Heart-lung transplant - series - Normal anatomyPresentation A Closer Look Pulmonary hypertension(Alt. Medicine)Scleroderma(In-Depth)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(Alt. Medicine)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(In-Depth)Self Care Pulmonary hypertension - at home Tests for Pulmonary hypertension Pulmonary angiographySwan-Ganz - right heart catheterizationLung diffusion testingBrain natriuretic peptide testGallium scanTroponin testRelated Information Heart failure(Condition)Heart failure(In-Depth) Review Date: 1/1/2020 Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary arterial hypertension; Sporadic primary pulmonary hypertension; Familial primary pulmonary hypertension; Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension; Primary pulmonary hypertension; PPH; Secondary pulmonary hypertension; Cor pulmonale - pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal. Causes The right side of the heart pumps blood through the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. Blood returns to the left side of the heart, where it is pumped to the rest of the body.When the small arteries (blood vessels) of the lungs become narrowed, they cannot carry as much blood. When this happens, pressure builds up. This is called pulmonary hypertension.The heart needs to work harder to force the blood through the vessels against this pressure. Over time, this causes the right side of the heart to become larger. This condition is called right-sided heart failure, or cor pulmonale.Cor pulmonaleCor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the arteries of the lung and right ve...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary hypertension may be caused by:Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis Autoimmune diseasesAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 types of aut...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SclerodermaScleroderma is a disease that involves the buildup of scar-like tissue in the skin and elsewhere in the body. It also damages the cells that line th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Birth defects of the heart Blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs. The most common cause of the blockage is a blood clot.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart failure Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart valve disease HIV infection Low oxygen levels in the blood for a long time (chronic) Lung disease, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis or any other severe chronic lung condition COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary fibrosisIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines (for example, certain diet drugs) Obstructive sleep apneaObstructive sleep apneaObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem in which your breathing pauses during sleep. This occurs because of narrowed or blocked airways.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In rare cases, the cause of pulmonary hypertension is unknown. In this case, the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Idiopathic means the cause of a disease is not known. IPAH affects more women than men.If pulmonary hypertension is caused by a known medicine or medical condition, it is called secondary pulmonary hypertension. Symptoms Shortness of breath or lightheadedness during activity is often the first symptom. Fast heart rate (palpitations) may be present. Over time, symptoms occur with lighter activity or even while at rest.PalpitationsPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms include:Ankle and leg swelling Bluish color of the lips or skin (cyanosis) CyanosisA bluish color to the skin or mucous membrane is usually due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. The medical term is cyanosis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain or pressure, most often in the front of the chest Dizziness or fainting spells Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Increased abdomen size WeaknessWeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article People with pulmonary hypertension often have symptoms that come and go. They report good days and bad days. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The exam may find:Abnormal heart sounds Feeling of a pulse over the breastbone Heart murmur on the right side of the heart Heart murmurA heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound heard during a heartbeat. The sound is caused by turbulent (rough) blood flow through the h...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Larger-than-normal veins in the neck Leg swelling Liver and spleen swelling Normal breath sounds if pulmonary hypertension is idiopathic or due to congenital heart disease Abnormal breath sounds if pulmonary hypertension is from other lung diseaseIn the early stages of the disease, the exam may be normal or almost normal. The condition may take several months to diagnose. Asthma and other diseases may cause similar symptoms and must be ruled out.Tests that may be ordered include:Blood tests Cardiac catheterization Cardiac catheterizationCardiac catheterization involves passing a thin flexible tube (catheter) into the right or left side of the heart. The catheter is most often insert...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the chest CT scan of the chestA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Echocardiogram EchocardiogramAn echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ECG ECGAn electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung function tests Nuclear lung scan Lung scanLung gallium scan is a type of nuclear scan that uses radioactive gallium to identify swelling (inflammation) in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pulmonary arteriogram Pulmonary arteriogramPulmonary angiography is a test to see how blood flows through the lung. Angiography is an imaging test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 6-minute walk test Sleep study Tests to check for autoimmune problems Treatment There is no cure for pulmonary hypertension. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent more lung damage. It is important to treat medical disorders that cause pulmonary hypertension, such as obstructive sleep apnea, lung conditions, and heart valve problems.Many treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension are available. If you are prescribed medicines, they may be taken by mouth (oral), received through the vein (intravenous, or IV), or breathed in (inhaled).Your provider will decide which medicine is best for you. You will be closely monitored during treatment to watch for side effects and to see how well you are responding to the medicine. DO NOT stop taking your medicines without talking to your provider.Other treatments may include:Blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots, especially if you have IPAH Oxygen therapy at home Oxygen therapy at homeBecause of your medical problem, you may need to use oxygen to help you breathe. You will need to know how to use and store your oxygen.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lung, or in some cases, heart-lung transplant, if medicines do not work Other important tips to follow:Avoid pregnancy Avoid heavy physical activities and lifting Avoid traveling to high altitudes Get a yearly flu vaccine, as well as other vaccines such as the pneumonia vaccine Stop smoking Outlook (Prognosis) How well you do depends on what caused the condition. Medicines for IPAH may help slow the disease.As the illness gets worse, you will need to make changes in your home to help you get around the house.Make changes in your homePulmonary hypertension (PAH) is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. With PAH, the right side of the heart has to work harde...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if:You begin to develop shortness of breath when you are active Shortness of breath gets worse You develop chest pain You develop other symptoms Open ReferencesReferencesChin K, Channick RN. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 58.Mclaughlin VV, Humbert M. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 85.
