Pulmonary Hypertension

                                                    Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (or PHT) is a type of heart disease that causes dangerously high blood pressure in your lungs, affecting the arteries of your lungs and part of your heart. It is a different measurement altogether from systemic blood pressure. It reflects the pressure the heart must exert to pump blood from the heart through the arteries of the lungs. Pulmonary blood pressure is normally a lot lower than systemic blood pressure. Normal pulmonary-artery pressure is about 14 mm Hg at rest. If the pressure in the pulmonary artery is greater than 25 mm Hg at rest and 30 mm Hg during exercise, it is abnormally high and is called pulmonary hypertension. (Web. O7 Nov. 2013). Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may not develop until the disease has advanced, and if not treated, you may develop life-threatening diagnosis. Pulmonary hypertension can be diagnosed by a cardiologist or a pulmonologist with an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to make a picture of your heart. (White & Duncan 2011).

Early on, you may think you're simply "out of shape" because general fatigue and tiredness are often the first symptoms. Symptoms are shortness of breath while exercising, and eventually, chest pain, fatigue, fainting, swelling in your feet, ankles and legs, and cyanosis of your lips, fingers and toes. (Web. O7 Nov. 2013)

Pulmonary hypertension is caused by the hardening or narrowing of the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart. Spending time at high altitudes (8,000 feet and higher) may cause you to develop pulmonary hypertension because of low blood oxygen or accumulation of fluid in your lungs. (Holes 2013)

Factors that increase your risk of pulmonary hypertension include older age, being female and having a family history of the condition. Medical conditions such as AIDS, chronic hepatitis, sickle cell anemia, sleep apnea, lupus and emphysema may cause you to develop secondary pulmonary hypertension. Complications of pulmonary hypertension may be fatal without treatment and include heart arrhythmia, bleeding into the lungs, blood clots and heart failure. (Web. O7 Nov. 2013)

The effects of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) are nonspecific; therefore persons with pulmonary heart disease may be required to undergo many different kinds’ lifestyle changes. If you smoke, stop. If you don't exercise, start. Excessive use of alcohol is not recommended, but some doctors may suggest a small glass of red wine every day, which may produce benefits from its high content of flavonoids and antioxidants. Flavonoids and antioxidants can also be found in foods from a well-balanced diet, including vitamin and mineral supplements. (Patient Survival Guide, Web. 07 Nov. 2013)

Exercise may help strengthen the heart muscle and help increase stamina and strength for some. Preventing further heart damage is the key to living with pulmonary heart disease. Controlling blood pressure and watching cholesterol levels are also important for anyone suffering from any form of heart disease. . (Patient Survival Guide, Web. 07 Nov. 2013)

Works Cited:

1) "Hole's Human Anatomy & Physiology (Shier), 12th Edition." Your Page Title. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2013. .

 2) "PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: A PATIENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE." PH Patients Survival Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2013. .

 3) "What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?" What Is Pulmonary Hypertension? N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2013. .

4) Foundations of Nursing, White & Duncan, 3^rd Edition. 2011.