Primary pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension can result from narrowing of the small arteries (pulmonary arterioles) within the lung. The narrowing of the arteries creates resistance and an increased work load for the heart. The heart becomes enlarged and weakened from pumping blood against the resistance. Some symptoms include weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid accumulation in the legs and abdomen. The goal of treatment is control of the symptoms, although the disease may develop into heart failure.

Review Date: 6/28/2018

Reviewed By: Diane M. Horowitz, MD, Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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