Focus on Pulmonary Hypertension

In Honor of National Healthy Lung Month

October is National Healthy Lung Month and a good opportunity to raise awareness about Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). This chronic condition is characterized by high blood pressure in the blood vessels supplying the lungs with negative consequences for heart and lung function and impacting day-to-day life. The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are often vague and ??non-specific and the disease has multiple classifications, making proper diagnosis a challenge.? This is compounded by the fact that doctors infrequently encounter the disease due to its low prevalence.

Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that involves the thickening of blood vessel walls within the lungs. This change in the arterial walls results in elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries. To compensate for the altered blood flow, the right side of the heart, which is responsible for pumping blood into the lungs, enlarges. Over time, this pathological process can result in heart failure and other severe health complications. It is therefore crucial to diagnose and treat pulmonary hypertension early to prevent or delay the onset of these complications.

Risk Factors and Affected Demographics

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified several common risk factors associated with pulmonary hypertension, including age, environmental factors, family history, genetics, lifestyle choices, and specific medications. Typically, PH is diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60, and it exhibits a higher prevalence among women than men. Certain types of heart failure, particularly in women, can elevate the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension. Additional factors encompass exposure to asbestos, particular infections, genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and congenital heart disease, as well as a family history of blood clot issues. Furthermore, smoking, illicit drug usage, and specific prescribed medications for conditions such as cancer and depression can also be contributing factors.

Causes and Underlying Conditions

The exact causes of pulmonary hypertension are still unknown, but there are several medical conditions that can lead to damage, changes, or blockages in the pulmonary arteries. These include left heart diseases, congenital heart defects, lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, emphysema, sleep apnea, and other medical conditions like liver disease, sickle cell disease, lung blood clots, and connective tissue disorders like scleroderma.

Prevention and Screening

Although it may be difficult to prevent pulmonary hypertension entirely, there are ways to reduce the associated risk. If you have any predisposing factors or medical conditions that increase your chances of developing PH, your healthcare provider may recommend preventative measures. Regular check-ups and screenings are crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and proper treatment.

Our next installment will delve into other physiological systems affected by PH, available treatment options, and more information about early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Stay tuned for more information!