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Respiratory system
Respiratory system
Primary pulmonary hypertension
Primary pulmonary hypertension
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Primary pulmonary hypertension

Definition:

Pulmonary hypertension is when the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is abnormally high. "Primary" means that there are no other diseases of the heart or lungs causing the high blood pressure.

(Pulmonary = lungs; hypertension = high blood pressure)



Alternative Names:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension; Sporadic primary pulmonary hypertension; Familial primary pulmonary hypertension

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of primary pulmonary hypertension is unknown. Some cases are caused by a genetic defect.

The small arteries of the lung narrow throughout the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension is the result of greater resistance to blood flow. As a result of the increased workload caused by this resistance, the right side of the heart becomes enlarged. Eventually, progressive heart failure may develop.

This disease is rare. It affects more women than men.



Review Date: 5/14/2003
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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