Pulmonary hypertension is a fairly rare disease. Although not currently curable, pulmonary hypertension treatment exists that can relieve many of your symptoms and make you more comfortable.
PH affects the heart and lungs and is not a very common disorder.This disease occurs when blood vessels between the heart and lungs are constricted or blocked. The result is a spike in your pressure as your heart pumps harder to get blood through. The huge strain on the heart makes it become enlarged and cannot work efficiently or effectively. This usually brings on heart failure.
As with most acute or chronic illnesses, the first medical therapy is medication in the form of pills. You may need to take anticoagulants to prevent blood clots and let the blood flow more freely. Excess fluid in the body's tissue can cause swelling and make breathing more difficult. Diuretics are used to reduce that extra water. Vasodilators cause lowered blood pressure levels so your heart is not as overworked.
Pulmonary hypertension can also be helped by surgical procedures. Some cases are brought on by a clot in the pulmonary arteries. In that situation, the blockage can be surgically removed and your health will improve. If your illness progresses into both lung and heart failure, the prognosis is not good. If caught in time and the appropriate pulmonary hypertension treatment administered, it is unlikely this will happen, however.
A lung transplant performed by a surgeon is the only cure known today for pulmonary hypertension This is reserved for the most severe cases that have resisted all other medical efforts. There is a waiting list for lungs just like kidneys, and donors are fairly limited. If a donor lung is found and the transplant is successful, your heart will shrink back to its original size. Your symptoms should go away completely. Although it is a risky operation, it can save your life.
Natural treatments at home can also be useful in easing the symptoms of this affliction. Try to keep your stress levels down to prevent blood pressure spikes. Stay away from smoking and smokers. Smoke is one of the worst things possible for your heart and lungs. Keep yourself on a healthy diet with low salt intake and lots of fresh produce. Also, get plenty of rest so you don't feel as tired.
Pulmonary hypertension is a serious and often debilitating disease that can affect most anyone. While the only true cure is a lung transplant, pulmonary hypertension treatment does exist, and your doctor will guide you through the various treatment options.
High blood pressure can be a side affect of diabetes, the causes of diabetes can also cause high blood pressure.
Posted under blood pressure
This post was written by Kathy Forcey on November 23, 2009
