Pulmonaalihypertension

Pulmonaalihypertension, or pulmonary hypertension (PH), is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the heart. These arteries, known as the pulmonary arteries, carry blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen. In PH, these arteries become narrowed, blocked, or destroyed, leading to increased resistance to blood flow. This causes the right ventricle to work harder to pump blood, and over time, it can become enlarged and weakened, a condition known as right heart failure.

There are several types of pulmonary hypertension, classified into five groups based on their underlying causes. These include pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), PH due to left heart disease, PH due to lung diseases and/or hypoxia, PH due to chronic blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), and PH with unclear or multifactorial mechanisms. PAH is a specific subtype of PH where the high blood pressure occurs in the small pulmonary arteries.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension can be vague and may include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and swelling in the ankles and legs. As the condition progresses, these symptoms typically worsen. Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests, such as echocardiography, right heart catheterization, and pulmonary function tests. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow disease progression, with options ranging from medications to oxygen therapy and, in severe cases, lung transplantation. The prognosis varies depending on the type and severity of the condition.