There are blood vessels that run from your heart directly to your lungs. These vessels carry deoxygenated blood to your lungs in order to pick up oxygen. The oxygenated blood is then carried back to the heart so it can be circulated throughout the body. If the pressure in these pulmonary blood vessels is high, then you may have pulmonary hypertension, or pulmonary high blood pressure. This condition reduces the amount of blood that reaches your lungs and results in less oxygen circulating through your entire system. Pulmonary hypertension can occur due to heart disease or lung disease, and can lead to serious illness or be fatal. It is important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms so you can seek treatment as early as possible.
Fatigue
The American Heart Association (AHA) claims that the first warning sign of pulmonary hypertension is usually fatigue or excessive tiredness. Since this is a general symptom that can be related to many conditions, you may not seek treatment. AHA states that many people simply think that they are out of shape.
Breathing Difficulties
According to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, you may experience sensations of being breathless. You can have trouble breathing with even minimal exertion. This can also lead to feeling dizzy and suffering from fainting spells. You may become lightheaded upon rising or during daily activities.
Edema and Skin Changes
The Mayo Clinic states that one of the difficulties with this disease is that, in the early stages, the symptoms are subtle and barely noticeable. These "silent" signs can go on for months and even years. As the disease progresses, however, you may develop swelling in the abdomen, legs and ankles, and your skin and lips may turn blueish from the lack of available oxygen.
Pain
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, pulmonary hypertension can cause chest pressure and chest pain (angina). Your chest pain may or may not be worse upon exertion. You may also notice a racing heartbeat or palpitations.
Severe Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic warns that if this disease becomes severe, you may cough up blood, suffer heart failure, develop blood clots and an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat). All of these can be fatal.
