A Different Type of Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the pulmonary (lung) arteries are narrowed and therefore cannot carry as much blood. These arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs. The heart is strained because it needs to work harder to transport blood, and pressure builds up in the narrowed arteries. Shortness of breath with activity, fainting, and chest pain are common signs of pulmonary hypertension. When the cause is unknown, the condition is called primary pulmonary hypertension. Secondary pulmonary hypertension has a known cause, such as emphy-sema, chronic bronchitis, congestive heart failure, and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism. Persons with pulmonary hypertension may benefit from breathing
oxygen from a tank. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant, or blood-thinning medication, which helps blood flow more freely. Vasodilators, such as nifedipine (Procardia), lower pulmonary blood pressure in the lungs and may increase the pumping ability of the right side of the heart.
Diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix), work to remove extra fluid from the tissues and bloodstream, which causes reduced swelling and improved breathing. Bosentan (Tracleer) works to block endothelin, a substance that causes narrowed lung blood vessels.