Pulmonary hypertension, also known as Cor Pulmonale, is a condition that is caused by an enlarged heart. This enlarged heart is caused by chronic lung disease or malfunction. In most cases, pulmonary hypertension is a chronic (ongoing) condition, but may also include short term (acute) episodes.
Pulmonary hypertension typically afflicts adults over 50 years of age, though younger people and even teens have been diagnosed with the condition. The condition involves the heart, the lungs and the blood vessels.
Caused by high blood pressure in the lungs, blood flow within the lungs is restricted, which makes the right side of the heart work harder to pump adequate amounts of blood into the lungs. Over time, the heart becomes enlarged and the pressure this causes may ultimately lead to heart failure.
Learning recognize symptoms of pulmonary hypertension my help ensure prompt and adequate treatment of the condition.
Instructions
1. Pay attention to any shortness of breath that is noticed upon exertion that was not present before. This shortness of breath may even occur during physical activity that is not particularly strenuous.
2. Be aware of ongoing feelings of fatigue or weakness that may or may not be accompanied by chest pains.
3. Watch for episodes of near fainting or faintness when moving from a sitting to a standing position, or from lying down to standing. This means that blood pressure levels are off in your body.
4. Be watchful for any signs of swelling in the ankles or feet, which may indicate edema, or fluid buildup. Also watch for any swelling in the stomach or abdominal area.
5. Pay attention to any signs of bulging veins in the neck or any bluish tinge of skin, fingernail beds, or lips. This is a key indication that oxygen levels are low in the blood.
Tags: blood pressure, enlarged heart, lungs blood, shortness breath