Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension causes serious damage to the blood vessels of the lungs and right half of the heart, which can result in significant complications, including death. The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension begin as unnoticeable or mild effects and progressively worsen over a period of years, resulting in pain and a poor quality of life. Consider these facts from the Mayo Clinic about the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.

Dyspnea

• Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath, and is usually the first noticeable symptom of pulmonary hypertension.

Exercise Intolerance

• An inability to maintain endurance during light to moderate exercise or to perform short intense workouts may be symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.

Chest Pain

• Chest pain is a symptom of pulmonary hypertension that results from overwork of the heart and difficulty breathing.

Dizziness

• Pulmonary hypertension can lower the amount of oxygen in the blood that is sent to the brain, which can result in dizziness or fainting.

Fatigue

• An overall feeling of fatigue is a symptom of pulmonary hypertension that has progressed, causing a lack of oxygen to the muscles and organs.

Cyanosis

• Cyanosis is a medical term for blueness of the lips and skin and is a symptom of pulmonary hypertension that results from a lack of oxygen in the body.

Edema

• Edema is the medical term for swelling, and can occur around the ankles, in the legs, hands and abdomen as a result of pulmonary hypertension.