what is pulmonary hypertension?
What is Pulmonary Hypertension Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary arteries) . Unlike systemic hypertension, which affects the whole body, pulmonary hypertension specifically impacts the blood flow between the heart and lungs. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure and significant limitations in physical activity. Understanding the Basics In a healthy individual, the right side of the heart pumps blood into the lungs through the pulmonary arteries, where it picks up oxygen. In pulmonary hypertension, these arteries become narrowed, blocked, or damaged, increasing the pressure inside them. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the lungs, leading to strain and eventual failure of the right ventricle (right-sided heart failure) . Types of Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension is classified into five gro...