what is the clinical features of pulmonary hypertension?

Clinical Features of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)

Pulmonary hypertension often develops gradually, and symptoms may be non-specific in the early stages. As the disease progresses, signs and symptoms reflect right-sided heart strain and reduced oxygenation.

Symptoms (What the patient feels)

Symptom Description
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) Most common and early symptom; worsens with exertion
Fatigue Due to reduced cardiac output
Chest pain or tightness Especially during exertion (may mimic angina)
Palpitations Irregular heartbeats due to right atrial strain
Syncope or dizziness Especially on exertion; due to low blood flow to the brain
Edema Swelling in legs, ankles, feet—due to right heart failure
Abdominal bloating or fullness Due to hepatic congestion (enlarged liver)
Cough and hemoptysis (rare) May occur due to pulmonary artery rupture or infarct

Signs (What is observed during examination)

Sign Clinical Finding
Loud P2 Accentuation of the second heart sound (pulmonary component)
Right ventricular heave Palpable impulse at the left parasternal area (RV hypertrophy)
Jugular venous distension (JVD) Elevated jugular veins from right-sided heart failure
Peripheral edema Pitting edema in the lower limbs
Hepatomegaly Enlarged, tender liver due to congestion
Ascites Fluid in the abdomen (late stage)
Cyanosis Bluish discoloration from hypoxemia (advanced disease)
Tricuspid regurgitation murmur Systolic murmur over lower left sternal border

Functional Classification (WHO/NYHA)

Pulmonary hypertension is also classified by functional limitation:

Class Description
I No limitation of physical activity
II Mild limitation; comfortable at rest, symptoms on ordinary activity
III Marked limitation; comfortable at rest, symptoms on less than ordinary activity
IV Symptoms at rest; severe limitation of physical activity

Complications

  • Right heart failure (cor pulmonale)

  • Arrhythmias

  • Sudden cardiac death

  • Hemoptysis (rare but serious)

  • Pulmonary embolism (in chronic thromboembolic PH)

Quick Summary

Early Features Dyspnea, fatigue, chest discomfort
Progressive Features Syncope, peripheral edema, cyanosis
Signs of Right Heart Failure JVD, hepatomegaly, leg swelling
Auscultation Findings Loud P2, murmur of tricuspid regurgitation


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is a dpt program?

 ðŸ©º What is the DPT Program?  If you've ever been fascinated by how the human body moves and heals — and want a career that blends science, care, and impact — then a  Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)  program might be your perfect match. Whether you're a high school student exploring health careers, a college graduate looking to specialize, or just curious about physical therapy education, this article will break down  what the DPT program is , what it includes, and how it prepares you to become a licensed physical therapist. 🧠 What is a DPT Program? The  Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)  program is a  postgraduate professional doctorate  designed to train students to become licensed  physical therapists (PTs) . It’s the  entry-level requirement  for anyone who wants to practice as a PT in many countries, including the United States. This degree focuses on: Movement science Patient rehabilitation Injury prevention Manual thera...
Read more

What is osteogenesis imperfecta?

Image
What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta? | Causes, Types, Symptoms & Treatment Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) , also known as “brittle bone disease,” is a rare genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily , often with little or no trauma. It affects the production of collagen , a key protein that provides strength and structure to bones and connective tissues.  What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta? Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a hereditary connective tissue disorder . It primarily affects the bones but may also involve the teeth, skin, ligaments, and eyes . The condition is caused by mutations in genes—mostly COL1A1 or COL1A2 —that control the production of type I collagen . As a result, bones become brittle, leading to frequent fractures and skeletal deformities.  Types of Osteogenesis Imperfecta  There are at least eight recognized types of OI, varying from mild to severe. Here's a simplified breakdown: Type Description Severity Type I Most...
Read more

what is brain encephalitis?

Image
Brain Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Encephalitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition characterized by inflammation of the brain . It is often caused by a viral infection  but may also occur due to autoimmune reactions, bacteria, or other pathogens. If not treated promptly, encephalitis can lead to severe neurological complications.  What is Brain Encephalitis? Encephalitis is the inflammation of brain tissue. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can interfere with normal brain function and lead to a wide range of neurological symptoms. It can be classified as: Primary encephalitis : Direct viral infection of the brain. Secondary encephalitis : An immune response following an infection elsewhere in the body. Causes of Encephalitis 1. Viral Infections (Most Common Cause) Herpes Simplex Virus (most common and severe) Enteroviruses Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) Measles, mumps, r...
Read more