The pulmonary (lung) circulation refers to a set of blood vessels composed of arteries, veins and capillaries (small blood vessels). Specifically, the pulmonary arteries lead to the lungs while the pulmonary veins leave the lungs. Sometimes, the pulmonary vessels may be constricted. In some cases, a blood clot can develop in these vessels. More problems can ensue as the pulmonary vessels can actually dilate. A variety of circulation diseases can contribute to these problems.
Pulmonary Hypertension
The Mayo Clinic says that pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure of the pulmonary arteries or pulmonary capillaries. Sometimes, these blood vessels can be narrowed, blocked or destroyed.
Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include shortness of breath at rest and with activity, chest pain, fainting, dizziness and a rapid or pounding heartbeat. Other symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include swelling of the ankles, feet, legs and stomach. Fatigue and blue lips or skin (cyanosis) are also symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.
Treatment for pulmonary hypertension includes taking such vasodilator medications as epoprostenol or iloprost to dilate the pulmonary blood vessels. Epoprostenol is given intravenously (through the vein) while iloprost is inhaled via a nebulizer, a machine that actually vaporizes the medication. Other medications include endothelin receptor antagonsists such as bosentan, high-dose calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, ambrisentan, diuretic drugs and blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. Oxygen therapy can also help manage symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. In severe cases, a lung transplant is needed.
Pulmonary Embolus
A pulmonary embolus refers to a clot in the lung's blood vessels. This clot can be of blood, fat, air or tumor cells, says MedlinePlus. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolus include sharp chest pain below the breastbone, sudden coughing that can contain sputum productive of blood and shortness of breath. A fast heartbeat, fast breathing, clammy skin, wheezing, leg swelling, pelvic pain, low blood pressure and dizziness.
Treatment for pulmonary embolus includes oxygen therapy and medications such as streptokinase and tissue-plasminogen activator to help dissolve the clots. Blood-thinner medications such as warfarin and heparin can be used to prevent the formation of these clots.
Heart failure, severe breathing problems, severe bleeding, a pounding heartbeat and sudden death are just a few of the complications that can occur if a pulmonary embolus is untreated.
Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm
The Singapore Medical Journal says that a pulmonary artery aneurysm is rare. This refers to a widening of the lung's blood vessels that is typically associated with heart or blood vessel problems, pulmonary hypertension, infection and blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis). Symptoms of a pulmonary artery aneurysm may include shortness of breath and chest pain, especially with activity. Unfortunately, it is still unclear what the treatment for a pulmonary artery aneurysm should be. However, surgery may be a possibility to repair it.
