About Hypertension

Nick Johnson asked:


Primary pulmonary hypertension is a relatively rare disease that occurs when the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery raises high above normal levels. The pulmonary artery is responsible for carrying oxygen-depleted blood into the lungs, where it will become oxygenated; flow back through the heart and go to the various areas of the body through the aorta.

This change in blood pressure can result in changes to the small blood vessels in the lungs, and it can put strain on the right ventricle since it will now have to work harder to move the blood into the lungs for oxygenation.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a somewhat rare disease to encounter, with only around 500-1000 cases diagnosed in the United States every year. This makes PPH a difficult disease to understand and diagnose, because few doctors will have much exposure to the disease throughout their careers.

The cause of the disease can also be elusive, although some cases have been attributed to a genetic predisposition, a disease of the immune system, exposure to certain chemicals and use of some types of medications. One culprit that is thought to contribute to the incidence of primary pulmonary hypertension is the use of appetite suppressants that contain the drug fen phen.

Symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension can be somewhat vague, particularly in the early stages since the disease tends to progress slowly. Some symptoms might include shortness of breath, especially after exertion. A patient might also suffer from extreme fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, swelling in the legs and ankles and chest pain.

A diagnosis is often made through a cardiac catheterization, in which a doctor inserts a thin tube through a vein in the arm or leg and threads it to the heart and the pulmonary artery. In most cases, the earlier the disease is detected and treatment is begun, the better the prognosis is for the patient.

Treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension varies greatly, depending on when you are diagnosed with the illness. PPH cannot be cured, but the symptoms of the disease can often be managed with the help of medication and/or surgical procedures. In extreme cases, a lung or heart/lung transplant may be necessary for patients who do not respond well to the medications provided.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a potentially serious disease with no known cure. However, an early diagnosis and treatment can help a patient to manage the disease most effectively. If you suspect that you are suffering from primary pulmonary hypertension, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis today.



Fernando

kanishkmanchanda asked:


Malignant Hypertension is caused by a severe rise in blood pressure, which refuses to come down. This condition occurs when the diastolic blood pressure shoots up above 120 mm Hg. Why this characteristic rise or increase in blood pressure takes place is still a mystery.

Malignant hypertension is very common among the people of African origin. It is also found to effect heavy smokers. Those who suffer from high blood pressure are prone to this horrible disease. Youngsters, children and pregnant women, too, are vulnerable to it. Therefore, there is no age group or category of people who are completely immune to it.

Since bringing down malignant hypertension is very difficult, it has a potential to damage some of our vital organs irreparably. The organs that usually get damaged are the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels.

The persons, struggling with malignant hypertension, may exhibit certain definite complaints. Headache and vomiting are frequent symptoms. Cases of confessional periods and less urinary discharge are not rare. Arms, legs and some other areas may experience abnormal sensations, and one may suffer from blurred vision. Malignant hypertension brings restlessness and anxiety. Sluggishness and poor concentration is also experienced by some. Acute weakness is felt and one may suffer from frequent chest pain and breathing problems with or without a cough.

What course would malignant hypertension take is rather unpredictable with the danger of injury to vital organs running high. The consequences could be life threatening, especially in case of the old and infirm.

A very careful approach is required for the treatment of malignant hypertension because if the blood pressure is suddenly lowered it may produce serious adverse effects. This sudden change is as dangerous as high blood pressure kept at a very high level for a long time uncontrolled. With the assistance of a well-qualified doctor, the high-pressure level should be brought down slowly. It doesn’t matter even if it takes several days to decrease the level, but it must be gradual. Carefully prescribed anti-hypertensive medicines should be administered to the patient. Total bed rest provides the much-needed relief and peace to the blood pressure strugglers.

Treated promptly and carefully, this disorder can be controlled to a large extent. When it comes to the malignant hypertension, the demarcation between life and death is actually very thin and feeble. Therefore, every possible care must be taken to get the blood pressure under control.



Holly