About this topic
Pulmonary hypertension is also called PH. It is a condition where blood pressure in the lungs arteries becomes too high. The high blood pressure is caused by narrow, tight, or stiff arteries. Sometimes, it is cause by blood clots forming in the arteries. The blood has problems getting to the lungs and the heart has to work harder. When the blood has problems getting to the lungs, you also have problems getting enough oxygen to the rest of your body. ‚
Doctors treat PH with drugs, oxygen, or surgery. If PH is caused by other illnesses, the doctor may need to treat this illness first. How well you do depends on how much pressure is in the lungs and how well the treatments work. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all the drugs you are taking as directed. Do not take other drugs without asking your doctor. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects that you have. Ask what to do if you miss a dose of any of the drugs.
- Get lots of rest. Use extra pillows to raise your head to help you breathe when sleeping.
- Talk to your doctor if you plan to travel. You may need to take extra care if going on an airplane. Going to a place with a high altitude may make it hard for you to breathe.
- Your doctor may give you oxygen to use at home. Follow your doctors advice on using it.
- Never change the amount of oxygen flowing without talking to your doctor.
- Always have a back-up oxygen supply at home or when you go out.
- No candles, matches, cigarettes, or open flame should ever come near your oxygen.
- Avoid getting pregnant. Do not use birth control pills because these drugs can cause blood clots. Your doctor will help you find a safe method of birth control. Pregnancy may put you and your baby's life in danger.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may have you go see a specialist. You may need to see a heart doctor called a cardiologist. You may also need to have rehab to get your strength back.
- Join a support group that can help you deal with your illness.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help lower blood pressure in the lungs
- Prevent blood clots
- Increase blood flow to the heart
- Get rid of extra fluid
- Increase the amount of oxygen in the blood
- Help control abnormal heartbeats
Will physical activity be limited?
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Avoid straining. Do not lift heavy objects.
- You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Ask your doctor about when you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat foods that are easy to digest. These can prevent straining when you have a bowel movement.
- Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your personal diet plan.
What problems could happen?
- Heart failure
- Blood clots
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bleeding of the lungs
- Coughing up blood
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden shortness of breath or sudden chest pain could be a sign that a blood clot has traveled to your lungs. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Breathing is getting more difficult or you feel like you are getting less air
- You need to lean forward when sitting to breathe easier
- You are using your rib muscles to help you breathe. You see the skin between your ribs going in as you breathe.
- Have headaches often
- Feel extra sleepy or confused
- Fingertips or fingernails are blue
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my breathing.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have sudden shortness of breath or sudden chest pain.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/hypertension-hypertension/index_e.php ‚
Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada ‚
http://www.phacanada.ca/en/patients/living-with-ph/ ‚
Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK ‚
http://www.phassociation.uk.com/what_is_ph/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚