Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disorder in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery rises far above normal levels, usually with no apparent reason. There are two types of pulmonary hypertension: primary and secondary. Pulmonary hypertension occurs in individuals of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds although it is much more common in young adults and is approximately twice as common in women as in men. Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include chronic fatigue, shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain (angina), palpitations, fainting, swollen ankles and legs (edema), and fluid in the abdomen (ascites). The causes of pulmonary hypertension can include: the diet drug fen-phen, liver diseases, rheumatic disorders, lung conditions, certain heart diseases, Thromboembolic disease, low oxygen conditions and genetic factors. Treatment of pulmonary hypertension is based on the type and cause of the pulmonary hypertension. Find extensive information, diagnosis, treatment, and helpful tools on pulmonary hypertension for patients, relatives and healthcare professionals.