Kopsutensiooni

Kopsutensiooni, also known as pulmonary hypertension, is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the heart. This increased pressure makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood through the lungs, leading to various symptoms and potential complications. The pulmonary arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. When these arteries become narrowed, blocked, or damaged, the pressure within them rises.

The causes of kopsutensiooni are diverse and can include underlying lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease, blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), certain heart conditions like left-sided heart failure, and connective tissue diseases like scleroderma. In some cases, the cause of kopsutensiooni remains unknown, a condition termed idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Symptoms of kopsutensiooni can include shortness of breath, particularly during exertion, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles and legs. As the condition progresses, these symptoms can worsen, impacting a person's quality of life and daily activities. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests like echocardiograms and CT scans, and a right heart catheterization to directly measure pressures in the pulmonary arteries. Treatment strategies aim to reduce the pressure in the pulmonary arteries, manage symptoms, and improve heart function, and may include medications, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, lung transplantation.