Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare disease that is diagnosed in 500-1000 patients in the United States every year. The pulmonary artery is responsible for carrying oxygen-deprived blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.
Once the blood passes through the lungs, it returns to the left ventricle of the heart, where it is pumped to the rest of the body via the aorta. In the case of primary pulmonary hypertension, the pressure raises high above normal in the pulmonary artery, which changes the smaller blood vessels in the lungs. The changes to these vessels make it harder to pump the blood through the lungs, which places a strain on the right ventricle of the heart.
There is no cure for PPH, but an early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment options. It is important to be aware of the signs, so that you can see your doctor right away if you think this is a concern for you.
There are many symptoms in the early stages, and these include shortness of breath (particularly after exertion), fatigue, dizziness and fainting. Although this disease can be more effectively treated in these early stages, PPH is often not diagnosed until it has significantly progressed.
The reasons for late diagnosis include the fact that it does not occur all that often. More often than not, doctors will run a series of tests to rule out more common diseases before making a diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension.
The later signs include swelling of the ankles and legs, a bluish tint around the lips and chest pain. If you are experiencing any of these more serious symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
While there is no cure for PPH, there are numerous medications that can effectively treat the symptoms. These might include anticoagulants, which will keep blood clots from developing, and diuretics that can reduce the amount of fluids in the body, thereby reducing the strain on the heart. For some patients, supplemental oxygen can make breathing easier as well.
It is important to note that the best treatment options are the ones that will treat this disease as early as possible. If you think you might be suffering from the signs of primary pulmonary hypertension, talk to your doctor today about a diagnosis and your options in treatment.
Author Resource:-
Nick Johnson is lead counsel with Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving Fen-Phen and PPH, Paxil, Mesothelioma, and Avandia. Call Nick Johnson at 1-888-311-5522 or visit http://www.johnsonlawgroup.com
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