Pulmonary arterial hypertension – Causes, symptoms, and preventive measures

The heart is the most vital organ for one simple reason—it pumps fresh oxygenated blood throughout the body. And to enable this function, the left ventricle pumps fresh blood out into the system, while the right ventricle sends oxygen-poor blood back to the lungs to receive oxygen and repeat the process. The left side is naturally designed to pump with more pressure, but if the pressure is too high, the resulting force can cause hypertension.

What is pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Pulmonary arterial hypertension occurs when the right ventricle pumps blood with excessive force. The artery walls become narrow and force the blood to push more against the delicate tissue, increasing pressure while pumping blood back to the lungs. This can also force the blood to back up and strain the right ventricle, pushing it beyond pumping capacity.

This condition is a result of the structural integrity of the blood vessels being compromised, forcing the walls to close in and narrow the opening. As the pressure builds up gradually, pulmonary arterial hypertension can result in complete organ failure if not addressed in time. The reduced blood supply to the lungs also results in less fresh oxygenated blood being sent to the brain, leading to further health complications.

Causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension
There is no direct or single cause of the condition, and existing health complications can often trigger high blood pressure in the lungs. In other cases, the causes are attributed to certain rare genetic triggers. High blood pressure in the lungs can also be a result of blood clots in the lungs, congestive heart failure, liver diseases, and lung diseases. In some cases, people with sleep apnea may also struggle with the condition. Additionally, people born with heart defects are at a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular problems, including pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Shortness of breath during the early stages is among the few noticeable symptoms one might experience with this condition. As the heart is forced to work harder to pump blood, one might also feel fatigued or tired more often. Other symptoms include:

• Chest pain and persistent pressure
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Visible swelling in the ankles and legs
• Bluish tinge to the lips and skin
• Heart palpitations

Preventive measures
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms and discomfort associated with it worsen over time. However, it is possible to delay the effects of hypertension by making a few lifestyle changes as preventive measures. These tips can help improve heart health to better manage hypertension:

• Check for a regular pulse
  The pulse of an average adult can range anywhere between 60 and 100 beats per minute, so anything in this range is normal. Otherwise, it is advisable to check with a doctor to understand what might be causing the heart to overwork.
• Maintain a healthy body weight and BMI

Body weight and cholesterol trigger heart problems. Body fat and muscle pressure can force vital arteries and veins to narrow, affecting blood flow. Only a healthy body weight can help reduce the pressure on the heart, lungs, and vital pathways that help pump fresh oxygenated blood throughout the body.

• Keep a check on the diet and exercise regularly
  Cardiovascular exercises improve heart function, and exercising for just 30 minutes a day can promote heart health and reduce the risk of complications. This must be coupled with a nutritious diet that comprises fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein. It’s best to substitute unhealthy fats and processed foods and limit the intake of salt and sugar in general. Besides, diet and exercise significantly reduce the risk of obesity and, in turn, cardiovascular problems.
• Avoid harmful habits and manage stress
  Take the necessary steps to avoid smoking, limit the consumption of alcohol, and proactively manage stress. Smoking compromises lung health, and while it may not be possible to quit abruptly, one can gradually cut back on the frequency and number of smokes. Stress can result in high blood pressure, which, in turn, forces the heart to work more strenuously. Alternative therapies, breathing exercises, and muscle relaxation techniques can help overcome stress. Managing blood pressure also helps bring down the rate at which the heart takes in and releases oxygenated blood into the system.

Upon diagnosis, the type of treatment for PAH depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. There is no permanent cure for the condition, but a combination of medications, supportive care, and self-care can help improve patients’ quality of life significantly.