Pulmonary Hypertension (cont.)
What is the treatment for pulmonary hypertension?
The treatment for pulmonary hypertension depends on the underlying cause.
If left sided heart failure is the primary problem, then adequate treatment
of the left heart failure by a cardiologist is the main stray of treatment.
In cases where hypoxia (low oxygen levels) due to any chronic lung disease,
such as COPD, is the cause, then providing oxygen and appropriately treating the
underlying lung disease by a lung doctor (pulmonologist) is the first step in
treatment.
In conditions, such as scleroderma, which often can cause pulmonary
hypertension, a rheumatologist is involved in the treatment program.
Anticoagulation (thinning the blood) may be a treatment option if the main
underlying cause is thought to be recurrent blood clot (chronic thromboembolic
pulmonary hypertension). As indicated in previous section, referral to a
specialty center may be warranted for a possible surgical removal of blood clot
(thromboendarterectomy).
For patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (those with no underlying
cause), more advanced therapy may be attempted. These drugs have complex
mechanisms, but in general they work by
dilating (opening up)
the pulmonary arteries and, therefore, by reducing the pressure in these blood
vessels.
Some of the most commonly used drugs prescribed to treat pulmonary
hypertension include:
These more advanced therapies can also be used for secondary pulmonary
hypertension that may be too severe and not adequately controlled by the usual
treatment of the underlying condition.
It is worth mentioning that regardless of the cause of pulmonary
hypertension, supplemental oxygen and diuretics (water pills) may play an
important role in relieving the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension of any cause.
Therefore, they may be prescribed by the physician treating pulmonary
hypertension.
Low oxygen in the atmosphere causes low blood oxygen
levels and aggravates pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, patients with pulmonary
hypertension may benefit from breathing supplemental oxygen, especially during
air travel or traveling to high altitude destinations.
Despite advances in various treatments, there is no cure
for pulmonary
hypertension.
Next: What is the prognosis for pulmonary hypertension? »
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