About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Pulmonary Hypertension: Understanding the Condition
Introduction
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It forces the heart to work harder to pump blood into the lungs, which, over time, can lead to heart failure if untreated.
Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by:
- Heart Diseases: Left heart failure, valvular diseases.
- Lung Conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease.
- Blood Clot Disorders: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
- Genetic Factors: Inherited forms of PH.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Such as scleroderma or lupus.
- Idiopathic Cases: When no clear cause is found.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Swelling (edema) in the legs or abdomen.
- Bluish lips and skin due to reduced oxygen.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on:
- Echocardiography: Precise measurement of heart and lung pressures.
- Right Heart Catheterization: A definitive test for PH.
- Lung Function Tests and Imaging: Chest X-ray, CT scans, pulmonary function tests.
- Blood Tests: To check for underlying conditions such as autoimmune disease.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause:
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Medications:
- Pulmonary vasodilators (e.g. prostacyclins, endothelin receptor antagonists, PDE-5 inhibitors).
- Anticoagulants (in case of chronic clots contributing to PH).
- Diuretics (to manage fluid overload).
- Oxygen Therapy: Helpful for patients with severe hypoxia.
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Surgical and Interventional Procedures:
- Balloon atrial septostomy (in rare cases to relieve symptoms).
- Lung or heart-lung transplantation for severe cases.
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Lifestyle Modifications:
- Regular, moderate exercise.
- Healthy diet, low in salt.
- Avoidance of smoking and alcohol.
Prognosis and Follow-Up
Pulmonary hypertension can be a life-threatening condition if untreated. With early diagnosis and proper management, many patients can maintain a good quality of life. Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist or pulmonologist are necessary for optimal care.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society Guidelines on Pulmonary Hypertension
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Pulmonary-Hypertension-Guidelines-on-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of
- https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/early/2022/08/25/1399300300879-2022
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/38/3618/6673929
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/08/30/19/11/2022-ESC-Guidelines-for-Pulmonary-Hypertension-ESC-2022
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320113/
2. American Heart Association Guidelines on Pulmonary Hypertension
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/pulmonary-hypertension-high-blood-pressure-in-the-heart-to-lung-system
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001136
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26534956/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.122.029024
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2009.01.004
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.