what is pulmonary hypertension?

February 21, 2022

Pulmonary hypertension occurs when there is unusually high blood pressure in the blood vessels between the heart and lungs. That causes the arteries to narrow, making it harder for the heart’s right ventricle to pump blood to the lungs.

What Causes Pulmonary Hypertension?

Preexisting health conditions and genetics can cause it. Certain medication and illicit drug use may also induce high blood pressure. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, heart failure and lung disease contribute to pulmonary hypertension.

Types of Pulmonary Hypertension

Group 1: This class of pulmonary hypertension is categorized by the narrowing of small blood vessels in the lungs. It’s caused by genetics, certain weight loss medication and drug use.

Group 2: This type of high blood pressure is associated with left-sided heart disease. It occurs when the left heart chamber fails and is linked to mitral valve disease.

Group 3: Group 3 pulmonary hypertension occurs when the tissue between the lung’s air sacs becomes scarred. COPD, obstructive sleep apnea and long-term exposure to high altitudes can result in this condition.

Group 4: You may have group 4 pulmonary hypertension if you have clotting disorders or pulmonary embolisms.

Group 5: A variety of health conditions trigger this kind of high blood pressure, including blood, inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Kidney disease is also a contributing factor.

Pulmonary Hypertension Risk Factors

Age: Risk increases in people 60 and older.
Gender: Pulmonary hypertension is more common in women.
Ethnicity: People with Hispanic backgrounds are more likely to have pulmonary hypertension.
A family history of pulmonary problems
Excess weight or obesity
Use of weight loss drugs
Use of illegal drugs like meth and cocaine
Asbestos exposure

Pulmonary Hypertension Prevention and Treatment

Some types of pulmonary hypertension cannot be prevented. However, you can make certain lifestyle choices to lower your risk.

Here are some tips to consider:

Reduce or eliminate tobacco use.
Avoid foods that raise blood pressure, such as fried food, salty snacks, fatty meats, butter or margarine, deli meats and canned soups.
Lower your sodium intake.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
Find productive ways to manage stress.

Your doctor may prescribe blood vessel dilators and endothelin receptor antagonists to open narrowed blood vessels. Blood thinners can improve blood flow, and diuretics will decrease fluid retention in your lungs, legs and abdomen. Oxygen therapy can be used to boost your blood oxygen level and support your circulation.

You may require surgery if medication doesn’t improve your condition. Atrial septostomy is an open-heart surgery that relieves the pressure in the chambers of your heart. In very severe cases, a heart or lung transplant may be necessary.

Pulmonary Care at Embassy

Embassy Healthcare offers comprehensive pulmonary care at several of our Ohio locations. Our respiratory therapists are available 24/7 and can administer ventilator and trach care, pulmonary hygiene and aerosol treatments. We also offer CPAP and BiPAP care for those who require long-term pulmonary and respiratory health management.

Our pulmonary centers are located at:

Call 216-378-2050 or go online to schedule a tour.