Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Open Access

Pulmonary high blood pressure affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. Pulmonary hypertension starts when pulmonary arteries and capillaries become narrowed, blocked or destroyed. This makes harder for blood to flow through lungs, and raises pressure within pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary hypertension is a serious illness that becomes progressively worse and is sometimes fatal. Pulmonary hypertension is not curable it is only treatable.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs in individuals of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds, although it is much more common in young adults and is approximately twice as common in women as in men.The first symptom of pulmonary hypertension is usually shortness of breath with everyday activities, such as climbing stairs. Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting spells also can be symptoms. Swelling in the ankles, abdomen or legs, bluish lips and skin, and chest pain may occur as strain on the heart increases.

Related Journals of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary & Respiratory Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BMC Pulmonary Medicine, Clinical Pulmonary Medicine, COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine.