Pulmonary Hypertension

Overview :

Pulmonary hypertension is present when the blood pressure in the circulation of the lungs is measured at greater than 25 mm of mercury (Hg) at rest or 30 mm Hg during exercise. Pulmonary hypertension can be either primary or secondary:

• Primary pulmonary hypertension. The cause of pulmonary hypertension is unknown. It is rare, affecting one people per-million. The illness most often occurs in young adults, especially women.
• Secondary pulmonary hypertension. Secondary pulmonary hypertension is increased pressure of the blood vessels of the lungs as a result of other medical conditions.

Regardless of whether pulmonary hypertension is primary or secondary, the disorder results in thickening of the pulmonary arteries and narrowing of these blood vessels. In response, the right side of the heart works harder to move the blood through these arteries and it becomes enlarged. Eventually overworking the right side of the heart may lead to right-sided heart failure, resulting in death.