Pulmonary hypertension is a lifelong chronic disease that anyone, including athletes in top physical condition, can develop, and may lead to serious damage or even failure of the heart and lungs if left untreated. Fortunately, athletes with this condition can reduce their risk of complications and the progression of the disease by seeking medical care at the first sign of symptoms.
Features
Athletes with pulmonary hypertension might experience poor performance during physical activity. In addition, symptoms including fatigue, racing pulse, dizziness, difficulty breathing or getting enough air, palpitations and chest pain might occur. The Ohio State University Medical Center website explains that women are more likely to develop pulmonary hypertension than men, and if the condition is advanced, athletes could experience symptoms even while resting.
Identification
The Mayo Clinic website explains that diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is difficult because symptoms do not often appear in early stages of the condition, and when symptoms do develop, they mimic those of other diseases such as asthma or angina. First steps taken by physicians in identifying pulmonary hypertension in athletes include performing chest X-rays and echocardiograms, as well as catheterization of the right side of the heart. Additional tests, including pulmonary function tests, perfusion lung scan, MRI or CT scans.
Causes
Pulmonary hypertension in athletes results from a genetic condition or another medical problem, the Ohio State University Medical Center website explains. Athletes afflicted by medical conditions, including pulmonary emboli, emphysema, scleroderma, lupus, sleep apnea, congenital heart disease, sickle cell anemia, cirrhosis of the liver or AIDS might develop pulmonary hypertension. In addition, living at altitudes greater than 8,000 feet, hiking to altitudes higher than 8,000 feet or using stimulants such as cocaine can also cause pulmonary hypertension in athletes.
Treatments
Doctors often prescribe medications, including blood vessel dilators, to improve blood flow to the lungs, as well as blood vessel relaxants to reduce narrowing of blood vessels and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots from developing in the small blood vessels of the lungs. Athletes with severe pulmonary hypertension might require surgical treatments, including atrial septostomy, to reduce the pressure on the right side of the heart. MayoClinic.com explains that young athletes might be candidates for heart-lung transplantation to treat pulmonary hypertension.
Prevention
Athletes can reduce the effects of pulmonary hypertension by avoiding smoking, limiting dietary salt intake and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, MayoClinic.com suggests avoiding exercise or travel to high altitudes. Reducing stress and following a moderate exercise regimen as directed by a doctor can also help prevent worsening of pulmonary hypertension in athletes.
