Primary pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension can result from narrowing of the
pulmonary arterioles within the lung. The narrowing of the arteries
creates resistance and an increased work load for the heart. The
heart becomes enlarged from pumping blood against the resistance.
Some symptoms include chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath,
and fatigue. The goal of treatment is control of the symptoms,
although the disease may develop into heart failure.
Review Date: 4/24/2009
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of
Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange,
NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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