Pulmonary hypertension happens when the blood pressure in your lung’s arteries from the heart is too high. Pulmonary hypertension is a life-threatening condition that can get worse as time passes.

Always consult a pulmonologist if you notice signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. Contact the best pulmonologist in Brooklyn by visiting Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center.

Having pulmonary arterial hypertension is different from regular high blood pressure. Pulmonary hypertension means that you have high blood pressure in the arteries that go from your heart to your lungs. This means that the arteries in your lungs are blocked, and it is hard for the blood to flow through them. This causes the heart to work harder to pump blood, thus making the heart muscle go weak which can eventually lead to heart failure.

Causes

When doctors cannot find a reason for high blood pressure in the lungs, the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. In most cases, there is an underlying medical condition causing pulmonary hypertension. Any of these illnesses can lead to pulmonary hypertension:

• Blood clots in the lungs
• HIV
• Illegal drug use
• Liver diseases
• Congenital heart disease
• Lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis
• Sleep apnea
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma
• Congestive heart failure

Genetics also play a part as this can be inherited. So it is important to know if someone in your family had or has pulmonary hypertension so you can seek early evaluation should symptoms start to manifest.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension during the early stage of the disease are common to other medical conditions. This would then result in delayed diagnosis of the condition. The first common symptom of pulmonary hypertension is usually shortness of breath with every simple activity. Dizziness and fatigue can also be one of the early symptoms.

In more advanced stages of the disease, symptoms can include:

• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Racing pulse
• Fainting or dizziness
• Shortness of breath during physical activity
• Difficulty breathing even during rest

Treatment

This condition varies from person to person. So the treatment plan will be based on the patient’s medical needs. Your doctor should first have a proper diagnosis of your condition and its primary cause. Although there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, there are many different types of treatment, which can include:

• Inhaled medication
• Intravenous medication
• Diuretics
• Oxygen therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Surgery, if necessary

To determine the extent of your condition, your doctor may want to order a series of tests to measure the activity level of your heart and lungs. Some tests can also be done during treatment to see how well you are reacting to the treatment.

Because there is no definitive cure for pulmonary hypertension, you should learn how to manage your symptoms and condition. Follow the treatment plan you have formulated with your doctor. You should also know when to go to the urgent care center should your symptoms change or get worse.

If you notice changes in your respiratory system, consult a pulmonologist for a proper diagnosis. Early intervention will help maintain and preserve your lung function.

At Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center, we offer the best possible expertise and care in all aspects of pulmonology. Visit our pulmonologists to have your signs and symptoms checked. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us at 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://pulmonologistbrooklyn.com.