The Effects of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
The effects of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are nonspecific, making the condition difficult to diagnose. Sadly, the effects of PAH are minor in its early stages. Many patients experience delayed diagnosis after symptoms have become severe, and quality of life begins to decline. PAH is also referred to as type 1 pulmonary hypertension.
Symptoms
PAH causes symptoms of chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fluid retention that causes swelling n the lower extremities, fatigue, fainting, cough, rapid heart rate and exercise intolerance. The effects of PAH are widespread, yet symptoms may go unrecognized.
History
Minimizing the effects of PAH involves early intervention. A definite diagnosis is important. Confusion by clinicians about the cause of shortness of breath, cough and even nausea that occurs with exercise can delay testing, and historically has been the case for many patients. New drugs have made PAH a more treatable disease.
Types
PAH can develop at any age. It can be inherited, or caused by other conditions, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), thyroid disorders, congenital heart defects, and stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine and diet pills. The World Health Organization has developed five classifications of PAH based on the severity of symptoms. Idiopathic (no known cause) pulmonary hypertension carries high morbidity. Survival after diagnosis is two to three years.
Treatment
Medications are given to relax the blood vessels and reduce pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Medications improve blood flow. Medication types include those that resemble Viagra (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors), medications called prostanoids (drugs to reduce inflammation), endothelin receptor antagonists (blocks endothelin, which constricts the blood vessels) and calcium channel blockers (reduces workload of the heart).
Surgeries performed to alleviate pulmonary artery hypertension include lung, or heart and lung transplant, and surgery to eliminate pressure in the right lower heart chamber. The procedure is called an atrial septostomy.
Effects
PAH causes the arteries to narrow from increased pressure. Pulmonary arteries receive blood from the lower right chamber of the heart, called the right atrium. The heart has to work hard when pressure in the pulmonary arteries is increased. Eventually, the chambers of the right side of the heart weaken and lose their ability to pump oxygenated blood and fluid throughout the body. The results are what cause the symptoms of PAH.
The pulmonary arteries lose elasticity. Oxygen flow to the lungs is diminished, making activity difficult. Symptoms of PAH can be so severe that simple activities become impossible.
Tags: pulmonary arteries, blood vessels, Effects Pulmonary, pressure pulmonary arteries, Pulmonary Arterial, pulmonary hypertension
