Pulmonary hypertension

Definition

Pulmonary hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

Alternative Names

Pulmonary arterial hypertension; Sporadic primary pulmonary hypertension; Familial primary pulmonary hypertension; Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension; Primary pulmonary hypertension; PPH; Secondary pulmonary hypertension

Causes

Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the small arteries of the lung become narrow, which makes it hard for blood to flow. Blood pressure increases. The right side of the heart must work harder to pump blood, and may eventually become enlarged. Eventually, heart failure may develop.

Pumonary hypertension may be caused by a genetic defect, certain diet medications, or medical conditions such as lung or heart valve disease or history of a blood clot in the lung. In some cases, the cause is unknown.

If it occurs without a known cause, it is called primary pulmonary hypertension.

If it is caused by a medicine or underlying condition, it is called secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension is rare. It affects more women than men.

References

McGoon M, Gutterman D, Steen V, et al. Screening, early detection, and diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2004 Jul;126(1 Suppl):14S-34S.

Sahara M, Takahashi T, Imai Y, et al. New insights in the treatment strategy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2006 Oct;20(5):377-86.

Hayes D Jr. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension misdiagnosed as asthma. J Asthma. 2007 Jan-Feb;44(1):19-22.

Austin ED, Loyd JE. Genetics and mediators in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Clin Chest Med. 2007 Mar;28(1):43-57.