What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. These blood vessels carry blood from the heart to the lungs, where the blood picks up oxygen. The walls of the arteries may get thick, and the arteries may get narrow. When this happens, blood does not flow as well as it should. Pressure builds up in the arteries. Then your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your lungs.

There are different types of pulmonary hypertension. They are caused by different things. Causes include other health conditions such as heart or lung problems. Sometimes it can happen without a known cause.

When you have this condition, your body gets less oxygen from your blood. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath and feeling tired, faint, or dizzy. Over time, these symptoms may change or get worse if your heart gets weaker. You may get heart failure. Heart failure means your heart doesn't pump as much blood as your body needs.

Treatment can help you feel better and live longer. Your treatment options will depend on the type of pulmonary hypertension you have.

It can be hard to learn that you have a problem with your lungs and heart. But there are things you can do to feel better and stay as active as you can.

At first, you may not notice any problems. But in time, you may have symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath.
• Feeling tired, faint, or dizzy.
• Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles, feet, and belly.
• Chest pain.

Your treatment depends on the type of pulmonary hypertension you have, how severe it is, and if the cause was found. You may take medicines or use oxygen. You may have pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab). Surgery or a procedure is an option for some people.

It can be hard to diagnose pulmonary hypertension because many other conditions can cause the same symptoms. You will have tests done, such as a chest X-ray, a lung function test, an echocardiogram, or a CT scan. You may also have a cardiac catheterization.

There are many things you can do to feel better and stay as active as you can.

Make the most of your energy

Be as active as you can.

Talk to your doctor before you start a new activity. Your doctor can help you choose a safe type and level of activity. Exercise may help you have more energy and improve your quality of life.

Learn ways to save your energy.

For example, arrange your home so things you use often are in easy reach. Put a stool in your shower so that you can sit down. Rest when you need to.

Get help with daily activities.

Friends or family members may be able to help with chores that are tiring or hard for you. Find out if your grocery store and drugstore will deliver.

Stay as healthy as you can

Try to avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and the flu.

• Get a pneumococcal vaccine. If you have had one before, ask your doctor if you need another dose.
• Get the flu vaccine every year.
• Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.
• Wash your hands often.

Eat healthy foods, and try to stay at a healthy weight.

Healthy foods can help you have the energy you need.

If you smoke, try to quit.

Smoking can make this condition worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

Manage other health problems.

These include health problems that may make pulmonary hypertension worse, such as sleep apnea.

Talk with your doctor before traveling.

Your doctor may suggest that you use oxygen if you fly or visit a place that is at high altitude. Follow the instructions on how to use oxygen safely.

Manage your medicines

Take your medicines exactly as prescribed.

Be safe with medicines. Do not stop or change your medicines without talking to your doctor first. Talk to your doctor if you have problems with your medicines.

If you take a blood thinner, be sure to get instructions about how to take your medicine safely.

Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.

Talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal products.

Do not take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) without talking to your doctor first.

Cope with your emotions

Having this disease can be stressful. Some people feel depressed that they can't do some of the things they used to do. Some people worry about their future. And symptoms such as shortness of breath can make this anxiety worse. It may help to:

Get emotional support from friends and family.

You might also think about joining a support group.

Learn ways to relax and manage stress.

You may want to try yoga or meditation.

Talk to your doctor if you feel sad and hopeless much of the time or if you are worried and anxious.

These may be signs of depression or anxiety. Treatment with counseling and medicine can help.

Prevent pregnancy

Talk to your doctor about preventing pregnancy. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause changes in the body that could be life-threatening for people who have this condition.

There are several types of pulmonary hypertension with different causes. For example, it may be caused by:

• Another disease. Many conditions can lead to pulmonary hypertension, including:
  • Heart disease, such as heart failure, a heart valve problem, or congenital heart disease.
  • Chronic lung disease, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Blood clots in the lungs.
  • Connective tissue disease, such as scleroderma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Sickle cell disease.
• Certain drugs or toxins.
• Inherited gene changes.
• Unknown causes. This is called idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. These arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs. The walls of the arteries may get thick so that blood does not flow as well as it should. Then your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your lungs.