High blood pressure that occurs in your heart’s right region and in your lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. The National Institute of Health reports that this problem happens when the arteries and capillaries between the two organs harden and narrow. This constricts the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs, making the heart work harder. This condition is always serious and can be life-threatening.
Breathing Problems
Pulmonary hypertension may be indicated by trouble with your breathing. Because the condition affects the flow of blood throughout your body, but primarily to your lungs, the condition can make it difficult to breathe. The most common early breathing symptom is dyspnea, or being short of breath. This inability to “catch” your breath may, at first, occur only when exercising or engaging in strenuous activity. As the disease progresses, this problem may occur when you are not doing anything to exert yourself.
Dizziness and Fainting
Vertigo is a feeling that you are moving--usually spinning--even when you are not. This dizziness can affect your balance, making you stumble and even fall. Syncope, or fainting, can also occur when you first begin to show signs of pulmonary hypertension. Syncope may occur more than once in “spells,” or bouts, of fainting.
Tachycardia
Because your heart is working overtime to get the blood through the constricted passages of your arteries to and from your lungs, it may beat harder and faster than normal. When it beats more often than 100 beats each minute when you are inactive, the condition is called tachycardia. This may also give you heart palpitations, which are characterized by a pounding sensation in your chest and ears. This may make you feel pain or pressure in your chest.
Cyanosis
When not enough oxygen is carried by your blood cells, it can cause a condition known as cyanosis. Normal blood gives your skin its regular color. Without enough oxygen, your skin and lips may appear to have a blue tint.
Edema
Edema is a swelling condition that, in the case of pulmonary hypertension, affects your legs and ankles. It can occur in the early stage of the disease. This may later occur in your abdomen, where it is called ascites.
