Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and a decreased appetite. To protect the health of your lungs and heart when dealing with PH, visit Tzy-Shiuan Kuo, MD, and Imam Tjahja, MD, at CardioVascular Institute of South Texas. Located in Helotes, Texas, outside San Antonio, the highly-qualified cardiology team provides effective support for PH so you can live your best life. To schedule an appointment, call the office or click to book online today.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious condition that causes high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. With PH, the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your lungs become narrow and hard over time which can weaken your heart and eventually lead to heart failure if left untreated.
There are two main types of PH, one type that’s hereditary or may occur for no reason; the second type that is triggered by another heart or lung condition.
PAH may run in families or occur without a clear cause. This type puts pressure on the right side of the heart, which can cause that area of the heart to lose its ability to pump effectively due to the narrow, hard arteries that develop in the lungs.
This type of PH occurs when there are functional issues in the left side of the heart, so it can’t squeeze or pump effectively. The arteries in the lungs aren’t typically affected as much as in PAH, but the symptoms may be similar. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary emboli — blood clots in the lungs — may also contribute to PH.
The team at CardioVascular Institute of South Texas can determine which type of PH you have based on a thorough consultation and physical exam.
Pulmonary hypertension causes symptoms that affect both the heart and lungs. Common symptoms include:
As the condition worsens, it may become difficult to perform physical activities, so you may not be able to exercise, do chores around the house, or participate in sports.
While there is no cure for PH, the team can provide you with a variety of treatment options to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatment may involve lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking or incorporating gentle exercise into your daily routine, or medications to manage blood pressure.
In the later stages, oxygen therapy and sometimes lung transplants may be needed.
Get help with pulmonary hypertension from the experts at CardioVascular Institute of South Texas by booking an appointment online or calling now.
