Understanding and Managing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a condition where elevated blood pressure impacts the right side of the heart and lungs. Narrowed or blocked pulmonary arteries hamper blood flow, forcing the right heart to work harder, which can lead to strain and damage. PAH can be progressive or manageable, depending on the type. It involves changes in pulmonary artery cells, leading to thickening and inflammation, which elevates pulmonary pressure. Early diagnosis and tailored treatments can improve quality of life for patients.

What causes Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

The heart’s right lower chamber pumps blood from the right atrium through the pulmonary artery to the lungs. Under healthy conditions, lung pressure stays normal. However, PAH results from alterations in pulmonary artery cells, causing thickening and inflammation. PAH is categorized into five groups based on its causes, including genetic, idiopathic, or secondary to other diseases.

Diagnosis and Management

Once diagnosed, the severity is classified into four groups. Class I shows no symptoms during normal activities, while Class II patients experience breathlessness and fatigue with routine tasks. In Class III, symptoms are noticeable during physical activity, and Class IV patients suffer symptoms even at rest. Treatments include vasodilators such as Flolan and Veletri, which help relax blood vessels and reduce symptoms. Additional medications like Revatio and Cialis may enhance blood flow, although they can cause side effects like blurred vision.