Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PPAH)

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Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension This condition is close to me because I have the early signs of Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PPAH) and I have family members that have died or currently have this condition. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive disorder characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. Pulmonary arterial hypertension occurs when increased pressure cannot fully overcome the elevated resistance and blood flow to the body is insufficient. To overcome the pressure that increases in the pulmonary artery and in the heart chamber that pumps blood into the right ventricle. Treatments for PPH focus on symptoms and include several …show more content…

The BMPR2 gene plays a role in regulating the number of cells in certain tissues. Researchers suggest that a mutation in this gene promotes cell division or prevents cell death, resulting in an overgrowth of cells in small arteries throughout the lungs. As a result, these arteries narrow in diameter, which increases the resistance to blood flow. Blood pressure in the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle of the heart increases to overcome the increased resistance to blood flow. Other genes that have not yet been identified may also cause pulmonary arterial hypertension. In people with a BMPR2 gene mutation, other genes or environmental factors may contribute to the development of this disorder. (BMPR2 gene. (2007, January …show more content…

Even when the disease has progressed, the signs and symptoms may very similar to other conditions that affect the heart and the lungs. To determine if you have pulmonary hypertension, your doctor may recommend one or several tests that help rule out other disorders that could be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will diagnose Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PPAH) based on your medical and family history, a physical exam, results from tests and procedures the tests and procedures also will help your doctor determine the cause of your PPH, and its severity. (INFORMATION SUPPORT HOPE) Some of these tests may include Echocardiography, Chest X ray, EKG, Right heart catheterization (use of a special device that the doctor threads through a vein into the heart and arteries of the lungs to measure pressure in the arteries and test how well the heart is pumping), Pulmonary function tests, and Exercise testing. (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. (2014, January 1)) “The doctors had to do a right catheterization and echocardiography on me to find out if I had Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Because doing the EKG and Chest X rays are not accurate in my opioion. ” (personal communication, August 26, 2014)
Primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PPAH) has no cure, but treatments may help relieve symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Treatment will depend

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