Pulmonary Hypertension (cont.)
What are primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension?
In the conventional classification, pulmonary
hypertension, which is also called pulmonary arterial hypertension, is divided into two main categories;
1) primary pulmonary hypertension (not caused by any other disease or condition);
and 2) secondary pulmonary hypertension (caused by another underlying condition).
Secondary pulmonary hypertension is much more common than primary pulmonary
hypertension.
A newer classification of this condition is based on the
main underlying cause of pulmonary hypertension. This system classifies the
condition based on whether it is due to:
- left sided heart disease,
- lung disease,
- blood clots,
- constriction of arteries due to any reasons (including primary
pulmonary hypertension), and
- obstruction from outside of blood vessel (for
example from diseases of the chest wall compressing the blood vessels).
What causes pulmonary hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by diseases of the
heart and the lungs, such as:
Other conditions that may cause pulmonary
hypertension include:
Pulmonary hypertension can also be caused by
chronic low blood oxygen levels as in some patients with sleep apnea or other
long-standing (chronic) lung disease.
Again, pulmonary hypertension caused by these other illnesses can also be
referred to as secondary pulmonary hypertension.
When pulmonary hypertension occurs without underlying heart and lung disease
or other illnesses, it is called primary pulmonary hypertension. Primary
pulmonary hypertension is more common in younger people and more in females than
in males.
Recently this condition has been rarely reported with the use of anti-obesity
drugs such as dexfenfluramine
(Redux) and Fen/Phen. These medications have seen been removed from
the market. Some street drugs such as, cocaine and
methamphetamines can cause
severe pulmonary hypertension.
Next: What causes primary pulmonary hypertension? »
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