Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment in Noida, Delhi Ncr, India

Overview

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disease characterized by the narrowing of blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. This narrowing makes it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels, resulting in abnormally high blood pressure. The increased pressure puts a strain on the right ventricle of the heart, which is responsible for pumping blood through the pulmonary arteries.

Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are not usually observed until the condition has progressed. Symptoms include:

Early symptoms:

• Shortness of breath during everyday activities
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Fainting spells
• Swelling in the ankles, abdomen, or legs
• Bluish lips and skin
• Chest pain
• High blood pressure

Advanced stage symptoms:

• Passing out or dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath during exercise
• Racing pulse
• Difficulty in breathing even at rest

Pulmonary Hypertension Causes

Causes of pulmonary hypertension include:

• Underlying heart conditions: Congenital heart defects like atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect.
• Lung conditions: Diseases like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, or lung tumors.
• Genetic factors: Inherited conditions can increase risk.
• Living at high altitudes: Lower oxygen levels can strain pulmonary blood vessels.
• Rheumatic disorders: Autoimmune conditions like scleroderma or lupus.
• Previous use of Fen-Phen: An appetite suppressant linked to pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosis

Diagnosing pulmonary hypertension requires a comprehensive approach:

• Medical history: Review of past or current conditions, symptoms, and risk factors.
• Physical exam: Assess signs such as abnormal heart sounds or fluid retention.
• Symptom description: Detailed account of symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and dizziness.
• Blood tests: To measure markers related to PH and rule out other causes.
• Chest X-ray: Evaluate heart and lungs for abnormalities.
• Doppler echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create heart images and measure blood flow.
• Walk test: Measures exercise capacity and oxygen levels.
• Polysomnogram or overnight oximetry: Assesses breathing patterns and oxygen levels during sleep.
• Pulmonary function test: Evaluates lung function.
• Ventilation-perfusion scan: Assesses lung ventilation and blood flow.
• Chest CT scan: Provides detailed images of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
• Right heart catheterization: Measures blood pressure in the heart.
• Pulmonary angiogram: Uses contrast dye to visualize blood flow and detect blockages.

Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension

Treatment includes:

• Riociguat: The first approved medication for PH, effective in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Other medications:

• Endothelin receptor antagonists: Block endothelin, which narrows blood vessels.
• Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: Relax and widen blood vessels.
• Prostacyclin analogues: Synthetic versions of a natural substance that dilates blood vessels.
• Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators: Stimulate an enzyme involved in relaxing blood vessels.

Surgical therapies:

• Pulmonary endarterectomy: Removes blood clots from lung arteries.
• Atrial septostomy: Minimally invasive procedure to relieve heart pressure.

Pulmonary Hypertension Prevention

Strategies to prevent pulmonary hypertension and maintain heart and lung health:

• Don’t smoke.
• Stay physically active with daily workouts for at least 30 minutes.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Avoid stress and anxiety.
• Practice relaxation techniques.

Pulmonary Hypertension Complications

Potential complications include:

• Right-sided heart enlargement (Cor Pulmonale).
• Bleeding in the lungs.
• Irregular heartbeats leading to arrhythmias.
• Life-threatening complications for a developing baby if it occurs in a pregnant woman.

Book an appointment today to manage your hypertension! Our team of experts is ready to help you take control of your health.

Reviewed & Updated On: Reviewed by Dr. Deepak Talwar, Sr. Consultant & Chairman – Metro Respiratory Center on 12-June-2024.