Pulmonary hypertension, aka pulmonary arterial hypertension, is high arterial blood pressure brought about by narrowing and hardening of your lung’s arteries. These arteries are your blood’s transport system to oxygen rejuvenation.
This progressively clogged up situation causes breathing problems, an always tired feeling and your heart to work harder. In turn, leading to heart weakening and eventually heart failure.
Primary (or idiopathic) pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed when no other condition is found for its cause. Whereas, secondary pulmonary hypertension means another condition has a hand in it, typically heart or lung disease.
Common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension beyond chronic tiredness and shortness of breath are:
- hypoxia
- cyanosis
- dizziness
- palpitations
- fainting spells
- chronic fatigue
- abdominal fluid
- bluish lips/skin
- racing heartbeat
- lightheadedness
- ankle, leg edema
- chest pain, pressure, angina
As your heart weakens, your energy steadily decreases and your physical output will become very limited. This accounts for your chronic tiredness and shortness of breath.
Some factors that may contribute to or trigger your development of pulmonary hypertension include:
- COPD
- lupus
- genetics
- vasculitis
- pregnancy
- sarcoidosis
- scleroderma
- liver disease
- lung disease
- HIV infection
- sickle cell anemia
- truncus arteriosus
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- chronic exposure to high altitude
- appetite suppressants ~ fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine
- cocaine, methamphetamine, other street/club drugs use
Some situations can worsen your chronically tired and difficulty breathing lung condition symptoms, like:
- air travel
- pregnancy
- high altitudes
Medical treatments for pulmonary hypertension consist of:
- drugs
- oxygen therapy
- lung transplantation
Healthy lifestyle measures that support your treatment and enhance your physical life involve:
- walking
- don’t smoke
- stress reduction
- get plenty of rest
- relaxation exercises
- consume a healthy diet
- maintain a positive attitude
Much is still unknown about pulmonary hypertension and its cure is beyond medical reach, however cardiovascular exercise is a key contributor to lung health.
