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Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the veins connecting the heart and lungs, which can result in heart failure or other complications affecting the heart, lungs, or kidneys (Brown et al., 2011). This condition occurs when the blood vessels between the heart and lungs experience abnormally high pressure, leading to constriction of the arteries and impaired blood flow. As a result, the lungs may be deprived of sufficient oxygen, which exacerbates the condition (Brown et al., 2011).

The causes of pulmonary hypertension vary and can be congenital or associated with underlying diseases such as connective tissue disorders, coronary artery diseases, or liver cirrhosis. Certain demographics, including females, individuals over 75 years of age, and Black populations, are more likely to develop this condition. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain, which can significantly affect the quality of life for those impacted (Brown et al., 2011).

Although pulmonary hypertension cannot always be prevented, strategies to mitigate risk include controlling high blood pressure and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco. While various treatments are available to manage the condition, no definitive cure has been established (Brown et al., 2011). Proactive measures, such as lifestyle modifications, can help reduce the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension, thereby decreasing its impact on at-risk populations.

References

Brown, L. M., Chen, H., Halpern, S., Taichman, D., McGoon, M. D., Farber, H. W., … Elliott, C. G. (2011). Delay in recognition of pulmonary arterial hypertension: Factors identified from the REVEAL registry. Chest, 140(1), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.10-1166