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Pulmonary Hypertension

Elevated pressure in the lung vessels strains the right heart and causes progressive breathlessness.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest greater than 20 mmHg. Over time, this increased workload on the right ventricle leads to right heart failure.

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare form. Left heart diseases, chronic lung diseases, pulmonary embolism, connective tissue disorders, and certain medications can also cause pulmonary hypertension.

Because diagnosis is often delayed, the disease is frequently detected in advanced stages. Echocardiography, right heart catheterization, and pulmonary imaging are the principal diagnostic tools.

Symptoms

Progressive exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Fatigue and weakness
Dizziness and fainting
Palpitations and irregular heartbeat
Swelling of the legs and ankles
Chest pain or pressure

Risk Factors

Connective tissue diseases (scleroderma, lupus)
Chronic liver disease and portal hypertension
HIV infection
History of pulmonary embolism
Certain appetite-suppressant drugs and cocaine use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For cardiology evaluation of progressively worsening shortness of breath and fatigue
  • Go to the emergency department if fainting or a tendency to faint develops
  • Regular echocardiographic screening in patients with connective tissue disease
  • Specialist evaluation when chronic thromboembolic disease is suspected

Treatment Methods

01
Endothelin receptor antagonists (bosentan, ambrisentan)
02
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil)
03
Prostacyclin analogs (in severe cases)
04
Anticoagulant therapy (in thromboembolic forms)
05
Lung or heart-lung transplantation (in advanced cases)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Related Health Topics

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Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

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Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

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Heart Failure

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Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

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A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

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Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.