by Primary pulmonary hypertension, a rare and life-threatening disease that increases blood pressure in the lungs and damages the heart valves, can be treated using a variety of methods, including lifestyle changes, medications, and heart and lung transplants. It often results from the use of diet drugs such as Fen-phen. Unfortunately, this disease is not yet curable and has a poor prognosis.
Symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, swelling in the ankles or legs, blue discoloration of the lips, and chest pain. Fortunately, some medications, such as blood thinners, can help control the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life for those with PPH.
Anticoagulants work in the body by preventing blood from clotting. Medications can prevent new clots from forming or an existing clot from getting larger. Anticoagulants do not dissolve existing clots. By reducing blood clotting, this type of medication decreases the stress on the heart due to primary pulmonary hypertension, making it easier to pump blood through the pulmonary artery. Several studies revealed that the survival rate of patients is increased when anticoagulant treatment is performed.
Two common examples of anticoagulants used today include heparin and warfarin. Heparin is a biological substance derived from the intestines of pigs. It works by activating antithrombin III, which prevents thrombin from clotting blood. Warfarin, the most widely used anticoagulant in the United States, works by inhibiting the vitamin K-dependent synthesis of active forms of several calcium coagulation factors. Dosing these medications is complicated because they often interact with many commonly prescribed medications. Even diets rich in vitamin K will change the effects of warfarin, making the drug less effective. Side effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin include bleeding, warfarin necrosis, osteoporosis, and purple finger syndrome.
In addition to blood-thinning medications, other medications may be used to relieve PPH symptoms. Calcium channel blockers and vasodilators are sometimes used in the treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension. Calcium channel blockers work by triggering the vascular smooth muscles in the lungs to open, relieving pressure from the pulmonary artery. Vasodilators, such as Flonan and Tracleer, work by activating a reaction in the cells of the endothelium, which reduces pressure and tension.
Primary pulmonary hypertension is a serious and complicated disease. Modern medications, such as blood thinners, can help relieve symptoms of the disease. Unfortunately, with no cure available, medication can only help patients manage negative side effects.
The unpleasant truth is that there is no cure for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Treatments administered help relieve symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. The goal of treatments is to keep complications related to the condition at bay.
Oxygen administration helps relieve shortness of breath in some cases. Also, this relaxes the muscles in the arteries of the lungs. This reduces the pressures built up in the pulmonary Indian Suhagra.
The use of diuretics helps to eliminate excess accumulated fluid. Lasix is an example. However, it must be remembered that these drugs should be used with caution, so that the patient does not become too dehydrated. If the patient becomes too dehydrated, the malfunctioning right ventricle will not be able to pump even a little blood to the lungs, causing the patient to have serious problems with oxygenation.
The use of calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine can relax the muscles in the blood vessel walls. This can be helpful in the function of the right side of the heart. However, they can lower induced blood pressure throughout the cardiovascular system, which is not easily tolerated.
Other treatments include:
The use of prostacyclin, an investigational drug, is effective in dilating blood vessels in the lungs and decreasing resistance to blood flow.
Inhaling nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels in the lungs but has no effect on blood vessels in the rest of the body. Sildrafil is another investigational drug used in conjunction with nitric oxide inhalation treatment.
