Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, veins, or capillaries is increased. It can cause difficulty breathing, fainting and dizziness. It can also lead to the inability to exercise and, if untreated, heart failure.
Prostaglandins
A drug called prostacyclin is usually the most effective treatment for pulmonary hypertension. It is often given as a permanent infusion that has to be received via a catheter in the veins.
Endothelin receptor drugs
Tracleer and other medications work by blocking the receptors for Endothelin A, a protein involved in blood vessel constriction. By blocking the action of this protein, the drug can help keep the blood pressure in the pulmonary vessels lower.
Atrial sepostomy
An atrial espostomy is a surgical procedure in which a hole is made between the left and right atria. This helps lower the pressure on the right side of the heart, but it leads to less oxygen in the blood.
Lung transplants
Although invasive and with its drawbacks, a lung transplant will cure pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy
This is a procedure that is only useful for pulmonary hypertension caused by a blood clot. In this procedure, the clot as well as the lining of the pulmonary artery is removed.
Tags: pulmonary hypertension, blood pressure, blood pressure pulmonary, pressure pulmonary