Treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension Is Available

By Kathy Forcey

Have you or a loved one just been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension? Are you wondering what options are available? This condition is unable to be cured easily, but pulmonary hypertension treatment can be found.

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.

There are many different types of drugs that can be used to help control this disorder. Anti-coagulants reduce the formation of blood clots and let the blood run more quickly and easily through the veins. Diuretics help decrease the amount of extra water in the body that can make tissue swell. This makes breathing less labored. Vasodilators will lower blood pressure and help the heart pump more effectively.

One course of action to treat pulmonary hypertension is surgery. All surgeries are dangerous, and you should seek a second opinion before deciding on surgery. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy can be performed to remove a clot in the artery if that is the cause of your condition. If you have an advanced level and develop both heart and lung failure, your situation is grim. Thankfully, this procedure is rarely seen as most cases can be kept from progressing that far.

A lung transplant is the only way to fully get rid of pulmonary hypertension. It is a complicated situation, though. It is hard to find a matching donor, and the waiting list is long as it is with most organs. This procedure is only a last resort for those who were completely resistant to other medical therapies. If the operation is a success, your heart will revert back to its normal state. All of your symptoms should also subside. A successful transplant can save your life.

There are also things you can do at home to alleviate your ailments. Relax and try to keep stress at bay so your blood pressure won't rise. If you are smoking, quit- it will only kill you faster. Be on a good diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit your salt intake to prevent water retention and swelling. Rest well so you are not always tired.

Pulmonary hypertension is a devastating disorder and can be fatal for some patients. Do everything that your doctor recommends without hesitation. Pulmonary hypertension treatment can work depending on the type and severity, but you must try to relax and focus on controlling your health. - 30310

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