Hypertension

Hypertension can wreak havoc on a number of different systems in your body, including your lungs and respiratory system. If you suffer from pulmonary hypertension, Frederick Tackey, MD, at the Pulmonology & Sleep Center in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach, Florida, can help you find the right treatment to manage your condition. The practice specializes in compassionate, patient-centered pulmonary care. Book an appointment by phone or online today.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that occurs when the pressure of blood moving through your arteries is too high. High blood pressure damages your blood vessels and can affect the health and function of your heart. 

Hypertension can also affect your lungs and respiratory health. This type of hypertension is known as pulmonary hypertension.  

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension affects your pulmonary arteries. Your pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood away from your heart and into your lungs to be oxygenated. 

Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the pressure in your pulmonary arteries is higher than normal. Unlike systemic hypertension that affects blood vessels throughout your body, pulmonary hypertension specifically refers to the pressure of blood flowing into your lungs. 

What causes pulmonary hypertension?

There are several different types of pulmonary hypertension, and classification depends on their underlying cause. Possible causes of pulmonary hypertension include:

• Genetics
• Congenital heart disease
• Left-sided heart disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Sleep disorders
• Chronic blood clots
• Blood disorders

Certain conditions can damage or block the pulmonary arteries, resulting in hypertension. In some cases, the cause of pulmonary hypertension is unknown. 

There are many factors known to increase your risk for pulmonary hypertension, including abuse of certain drugs, taking certain appetite-suppressant medications, and being overweight. 

What are the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension can be difficult to recognize. It usually develops slowly and can go unnoticed for months or years. Some of the early signs of pulmonary hypertension include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Rapid heartbeat

If your condition is more advanced, you may experience symptoms like:

• Lightheadedness, especially during physical activity
• Fainting
• Bluish colored lips or skin
• Swollen ankles, leg, or abdomen

Pulmonary hypertension forces your heart to work harder to pump blood through your body and increases your risk for blood clots and heart failure. 

Although there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, with the right treatment at the Pulmonology & Sleep Center, you can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. 

How is pulmonary hypertension treated?

The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are often mistaken for other conditions like asthma or lung disease. Treatment for your pulmonary hypertension begins with a thorough evaluation. To diagnose your condition, your doctor may perform several different tests, including:

• Physical exam
• Echocardiogram
• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests
• Pulmonary function test

There are many different medications used to effectively control the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. 

After a diagnosis, your doctor works with you to determine the right medication for your condition. If medication isn’t enough to manage your hypertension, you may require surgical treatment. 

If you experience symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, call the Pulmonology & Sleep Center, or book your appointment online today.