Living with Pulmonary Hypertension
Most people have heard of hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, but many haven't the slightest clue of what pulmonary hypertension is. PHT, as it is sometimes called, is a debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. The illness occurs when the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the lungs narrow or get blocked and can't function properly. When this happens, the heart is forced to work harder in an effort to get blood circulating through the lungs. Many times, the heart simply can't keep up, and the person will feel dizzy, winded, and tired. Though it is treatable, there is no cure for PHT, and it can be fatal. If you're living with pulmonary hypertension, read on to learn more about the illness and how you can treat it and maintain a normal life.
How do you get the disease? Unfortunately, there is no definitive cause of primary PHT. Some people are predisposed to it, while others develop the disease for reasons unknown. Secondary PHT, however, occurs when another medical problem causes the disease, and there are no known reasons why this happens. Conditions such as lupus, AIDS, blood clots in the lungs, congenital heart disease, and sleep apnea can all be responsible for causing secondary pulmonary hypertension.
What are the symptoms? Most symptoms of the disease begin subtlety and worsen over time. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dizzy spells, pain in the chest, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles and legs. Some people also experience heart palpitations and cyanosis, which is a bluish color in the lips and skin.
How is it treated? Treatments for the disease are complex, and it can take time to determine which treatment plan will be most effective. Once a diagnosis is given, you will need to have extensive follow-up care with your doctor to make sure that you are responding to the treatment.
Treatments include medications that act as blood thinners (anticoagulants) and others that work to open or relax blood vessels so the blood can pass through easier. Diuretics are also used to rid your body of excess fluids and reduce the amount of work your heart has to do. Oxygen treatments are sometimes prescribed, especially to people with sleep apnea or those who live in high-altitude areas. For more severe cases, your doctor may suggest a lung or heart-lung transplant.
What can I do to stay healthy? Though the disease is incurable, there are certain lifestyle changes that you can make to help lessen the symptoms. Make sure you get plenty of rest to ward off fatigue and keep your heart from being overworked. Pay attention to your body; if you feel tired, it's time to rest. However, it's also important to stay active as long as it's not too taxing on your body. Talk to your doctor about possible exercise plans that could help you. You also need to stay away from cigarettes and avoid second hand smoke. Don't travel to areas of high altitudes, which can aggravate the condition, and maintain a healthy weight and diet. Watch your stress level, and don't let anxiety get the best of you.
PHT does not have to destroy your life. Talk openly with your doctor about your symptoms and condition, and learn all you can about the disease. Take care of your body, and remember that being informed and staying healthy are the best ways to combat the disease.
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