[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/pulmonary-hypertension\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/pulmonary-hypertension\/","headline":"What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?","name":"What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?","description":"Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the lung's blood vessels. Learn more about pulmonary hypertension symptoms and treatment options.","datePublished":"2014-04-01","dateModified":"2020-06-19","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/inflamed-lungs-graphic.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/inflamed-lungs-graphic.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/pulmonary-hypertension\/","about":["Heart and Vascular Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":619,"keywords":["chest pain","cough","fatigue","heart disease","heart failure","high blood pressure","Lightheadedness","lung diseases","pulmonary embolism","Pulmonary hypertension","shortness of breath"],"articleBody":"Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. This rare and life-threatening condition makes it difficult for blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. PH gets worse over time, and it affects men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.High blood pressure in the lungs places extra stress on the right side of your heart \u2014 and puts you at risk for heart failure and left heart disease, among other conditions.The most common symptom of PH is shortness of breath with exertion,\u00a0and this worsens over time.Types of Pulmonary HypertensionPulmonary Hypertension is a common term used to describe high blood pressure in the lungs, resulting from any cause.Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a chronic condition that causes the lungs\u2019 arteries to tighten, constricting blood flow. Over time, this condition can cause the heart to enlarge and become less flexible. Pulmonary arterial hypertension may be genetic or associated with another disease or condition, such as congenital heart disease or HIV.Pulmonary Hypertension SymptomsPH changes the cells that line your pulmonary arteries.People with PH may notice that normal physical activities become more difficult to perform. They may also experience some of these symptoms:LightheadednessFatigueCough or chest painPassing outInability to lay flat without being short of breathSwelling of the ankles or abdomenCauses of Pulmonary HypertensionPulmonary hypertension may be caused by a variety of different conditions, all of which affect blood pressure. The causes of PH include:Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as\u00a0scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritisBirth defects of the heart, heart failure, or heart valve diseaseBlood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism), or other lung diseases such as COPD or\u00a0pulmonary fibrosisHIV infectionChronic low oxygen levels in the blood for a long timeCertain medicationsGeneticsRisk FactorsThese risk factors may make you more likely to develop PH:Family history of PHObesitySleep apneaPregnancyThe presence of certain drugs in your body, such as methamphetaminesLiving at high altitudesHow Is Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosed?Although it is a relatively uncommon disease, it is important to make an early and accurate diagnosis. If untreated, PH can lead to right heart failure and increased risk of death.The only way to be sure about a pulmonary hypertension diagnosis is to\u00a0consult with your physician\u00a0or a pulmonologist who specializes in treating lung diseases.Treatment for Pulmonary HypertensionWhile treatment options for pulmonary hypertension are limited, physicians are able to control symptoms and minimize lung damage. Common treatments include medication taken orally, by the nose, or administered intravenously.If medication isn\u2019t successful in controlling symptoms, heart or lung transplantation may be considered.Lifestyle Changes for Pulmonary HypertensionIf you\u2019ve been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, it\u2019s important to work closely with your health care provider.Know the names of your medications and take them as directed. Always consult with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines.You may want to consult with a dietitian. Those with pulmonary hypertension should be sure to eat foods high in potassium, fiber, and magnesium. They should limit their consumption of table salts and refined sugars, and stay away from fast food.If you\u2019re overweight, your doctor will likely recommend a weight loss regimen. You should avoid heavy lifting or overly strenuous activities. Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, or drinking alcohol.Living with Pulmonary HypertensionTo learn more about pulmonary hypertension\u00a0or to schedule an appointment with a pulmonary hypertension\u00a0specialist, call\u00a0412-648-6161, or toll-free at\u00a01-877-PH4-UPMC, or email\u00a0PHprogram@upmc.edu.Visit the UPMC Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Program webpage for more information.  "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/pulmonary-hypertension\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]