PAH is a lung disorder that can be fatal if left untreated
The normal pulmonary artery pressure is 8-20 mm Hg at rest
Fatigue is one of the most common pulmonary hypertension symptoms
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening lung disorder. It is another name for high blood pressure in your lung arteries and differs from regular hypertension. You may know that lung arteries or pulmonary arteries carry blood from heart to your lungs. Pulmonary hypertension occurs when your pulmonary arteries become narrow, which makes blood flow through the vessels difficult. As a result, it becomes hard for the heart to pump blood, and it starts working harder. This can eventually lead to heart failure, which can be fatal. Though this disease is more common among women than in men [1], it is important for all to watch out for it.
Normal pulmonary artery pressure should be 8-20 mm Hg at rest. Pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed if the pulmonary artery pressure is above 25 mm Hg at rest [2]. Read on to know what indicates PAH, its causes, and how to treat arterial hypertension in your lungs.
Additional Read: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Does it Interfere with Your Vision?
A few common PAH symptoms include:
Here are the common environmental and habitual causes of PAH.
Certain health conditions can also increase your risk for this disease. They include:
Based on the severity of the disease, PAH is classified into 4 stages.
Additional Read: 5 Different Stages of Hypertension: What are the Symptoms and Risks?
If you have any PAH symptoms such as shortness of breath, doctors may enquire about your medical history. They may also order the following tests to make a proper diagnosis.
PAH treatment is based on the factors pertaining to you. For instance, if you are at risk of developing blood clots that may cause hypertension, you will be prescribed blood thinners or other medications accordingly.
Here is a look at the different ways doctors treat this disease.
Your doctor may prescribe you diuretics, potassium, anticoagulants, inotropic agents, bosentan, and IV drugs.
Your doctor may also advise you to make changes in your diet to control or manage PAH. Eat fruits and vegetables high in nutrients such as bananas, oranges, peanuts, and broccoli. Maintain your weight by limiting the consumption of unhealthy foods. When you shop, look for foods low in sodium. Avoid junk food such as smoked or canned meat products.
Quit unhealthy habits such as cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and stay physically active to maintain or lose weight. Consult with doctors and take preventive measures such as annual check-ups to stay healthy.
Surgical therapies are also done to treat severe PAH especially if there are blood clots that affect blood flow and lung functions. As part of medical therapy, doctors may suggest pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, lung and heart transplantation.
Although PAH is not curable, treatments can help ease symptoms and make your life better. Getting the best medical advice is equally important. Book an online doctor appointment on Bajaj Finserv Health and consult with top health professionals or specialists for best remedies.
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