Pulmonary Hypertension
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- Pulmonary Hypertension Overview
- Pulmonary Hypertension Causes
- Pulmonary Hypertension Risk Factors
- Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medication
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Author and Editor
- Viewer Comments: Pulmonary Hypertension - Describe Your Symptoms
Pulmonary Hypertension Overview
Pulmonary arteries are the blood vessels that move blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs where oxygen is received into the blood. The oxygenated blood (blood which carries oxygen) is then transported back to the left side of the heart via the pulmonary veins.
The pressure of blood circulating in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary blood pressure) is normally significantly lower than the systemic blood pressure (pressure of blood measured routinely which is coming out the left side of the heart). Normal systemic systolic blood pressure is typically between 120 to 140 mmHg. In the pulmonary system, the blood pressure is typically 20 to 25 mmHg.
If the pressure in the pulmonary arteries abnormally rises for any reason, the condition is referred to as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary artery hypertension, or pulmonary arterial hypertension. In general, this rise in pressure is caused by tightening or constriction of the blood vessels carrying the blood to the lungs. This constriction hinders the flow of blood in the vessels, causing the blood to travel with a higher force and through a higher resistance, leading to high blood pressure.
There are no certain data on the statistics and prevalence of pulmonary hypertension; because the condition is typically associated with other underlying diseases that are more readily diagnosed and treated.
Next: Pulmonary Hypertension Causes »
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Pulmonary Hypertension - Describe Your Symptoms
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Pulmonary Hypertension
Fainting Overview
Fainting, which medical professionals call syncope (pronounced SIN-ko-pea), is a temporary loss of consciousness. Unlike a seizure, the person who faints usually regains alertness soon after regaining consciousness. Fainting is caused by a temporary loss of the brain’s blood supply. Fainting can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition.
People of any age can faint, but elderly persons more often have a serious underlying cause.
- Three percent of adults aged 30-62 years have an episode of syncope, but 6% of those older than 75 years faint.
- Syncope accounts for 1-3% of emergency department visits and 1-6% of hospital admissions.
- The biggest risk is in people with heart disease, especially those with congestive heart failure or coronary heart disease.
Fainting Causes
Fainting has many different causes.
Vasovagal syncope: Also...
