Pulmonary arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen. Hypertension is elevated or high blood pressure. When the pressure becomes elevated in the pulmonary arteries, it is a condition called pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension can cause shortness of breath with mild exertion or activity. It can also cause chest pain, tiredness and a heartbeat that races. Over time, the condition can limit all physical activity. There are, however, medications that control pulmonary hypertension.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is an ingredient in Revatio. It can be prescribed for patients with pulmonary hypertension to open the blood vessels in lungs. This has the effects of reducing the pressure in the arteries.
Calcium Channel Blockers
High doses of calcium channel blockers are sometimes prescribed. The desired effect of calcium channel blockers is to relax the muscles that line the blood vessels, allowing them to open more. However, a low number of patients respond to calcium channel blockers. These medications include nifedipine, diltiazem and amlodipine.
Blood Vessel Dilators
Blood vessel dilators open blood vessels that have narrowed. These medications are also known as vasodilators. According to the Mayo Clinic, epoprostenol is one of the most commonly prescribed blood vessel dilators for pulmonary hypertension. It is injected continuously by a small pump into the body via an intravenous catheter. Iloprost is a more recent form of epoprostenol and may cause fewer problems. Iloprost is inhaled, typically every three hours, via a nebulizer.
Ambrisentan
Ambrisentan is prescribed to help prevent the narrowing of blood vessels. Taking this drug elevates the risk of liver damage.
Endothelin receptor antagonists
Endothelin receptor antagonists reverse the effects of a substance on the walls of blood vessels that causes a narrowing of the vessels. Bosentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist that may have the added benefit of increasing stamina.
Anticoagulants
These medications prevent blood clots from forming. Warfarin is the anticoagulant that physicians are likely to prescribe. These medications increase the risk of bleeding problems because of their effect on the clotting process.
Diuretics
These medications reduce the amount of fluid in the body, reducing the strain on the heart. They may also limit the amount of fluid in the lungs.
Oxygen
Pure oxygen can be prescribed for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Pure oxygen is breathed occasionally by the patient, which is called oxygen therapy. Some people may need constant oxygen therapy as the condition worsens.
