keuhkoverenpainetaudin

Keuhkoverenpainetauti, also known as pulmonary hypertension (PH), is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. These arteries, the pulmonary arteries, carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen. When the pressure in these arteries is elevated, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. Over time, this can lead to the right ventricle of the heart becoming enlarged and weakened, a condition known as right heart failure.

The symptoms of keuhkoverenpainetauti can be varied and often develop gradually, making diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, particularly during exertion, fatigue, chest pain or tightness, dizziness or fainting, and swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen. In some cases, a bluish discoloration of the lips and skin may also occur due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.

The causes of keuhkoverenpainetauti are diverse and are categorized into several groups. These include idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, where the cause is unknown; heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is passed down through families; and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with other medical conditions such as connective tissue diseases, congenital heart defects, or HIV infection. Other forms of PH can arise from lung diseases, blood clots in the lungs, or conditions affecting the left side of the heart. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests like echocardiography and CT scans, and a right heart catheterization, which directly measures pressures in the heart and pulmonary arteries. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow the progression of the disease.