What is Primary Pulmonary Hypertension?
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is often called "unexplained pulmonary hypertension." This is because the causes of the illness are somewhat mysterious. In many cases, this disorder exists in apparently healthy people. People who have this lung disorder have high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery. This increased blood pressure puts an enormous amount of stress on the right ventricle, which has to work harder to move a sufficient amount of blood through the lungs. Eventually, this can lead to right-sided heart failure and/or death.
Causes of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.
As mentioned, the causes of primary pulmonary hypertension are unclear. However, it has been speculated that a number of diet drugs and supplements can cause primary pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, people with Raynaud's syndrome, a circulatory disorder, are more likely to develop primary pulmonary hypertension. The HIV virus, as well as frequent cocaine use can also be responsible for the narrowing of the pulmonary artery. Apparently healthy people who have been living at high altitudes for a number of years may also develop primary pulmonary hypertension.
The First Stage of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
The subtlety of the first stage of primary pulmonary hypertension is one of the main reasons the disorder is not diagnosed. In the early stages, people may simply feel fatigued, a bit weak and out of shape. Unfortunately, people attribute this to "getting old." However, untreated, this disorder can kill in three years.
The Middle Stages
As the disorder develops, the individual might experience fainting, dizzy spells and disorientation. It will become increasingly difficult to climb up stairs.
Later Stages of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
In the later later stages of primary pulmonary hypertension, patients will experience symptoms that are similar to traditional heart disease. The lips may have a bluish discoloration, and the ankles may swell. Many patients experience chest pains, and some will require oxygen for 24 hours a day.
