Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension: A Comprehensive Lesson Plan

Introduction to Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension, causes a person blood vessels in their lungs to develop an increased amount of muscle in their walls. Normally, the heart pumps blood from the right ventricle to the lungs to receive oxygen. Because this distance is short, the pressure in the right side of the heart and in the pulmonary artery (the artery that carries blood from the right ventricle to the lungs) is usually low—much lower than systemic blood pressure.

However, when the pressure in the pulmonary artery becomes too high, the arteries in the lungs can narrow. This narrowing restricts blood flow, resulting in reduced oxygen levels in the blood.

Causes and Risk Factors

Pulmonary hypertension can occur at any age, including in children, and its incidence increases with age. It is more common among women, non-Hispanic Black individuals, and those aged 75 or older.

Causes

Pulmonary hypertension can arise from various underlying conditions, such as:

- High blood pressure in the lung arteries due to certain congenital heart diseases

- Connective tissue diseases

- Coronary artery disease

- High blood pressure

- Liver disease (cirrhosis)

- Blood clots in the lungs

- Chronic lung diseases like emphysema

- Genetic factors

Pulmonary hypertension often occurs alongside other diseases, particularly lung and heart diseases. Heart failure is a common complication.

Reducing Risk

Although not all cases of pulmonary hypertension can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

- Making healthy lifestyle changes

- Managing high blood pressure

- Addressing coronary heart disease

- Treating chronic liver disease

- Preventing chronic lung disease, especially from tobacco use

Adopting these measures can help mitigate the risk and impact of pulmonary hypertension.

Important: If you are experiencing symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, please seek the attention of a doctor or call 911 immediately.

  • MedlinePlus

    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

  • Contact the Pulmonary Hypertension Association for Patient-to-Patient Support Line (800-748-7274) is a toll-free line and is answered by a team of volunteer patients who are available to talk to about Pulmonary Hypertension.