Pulmonary Vascular Disease, also referred to as pulmonary hypertension, is a rare disorder of the circulatory system. The disease usually affects young and middle aged women. Pulmonary hypertension is defined when the pulmonary artery pressure rises to a level beyond the cardiac output ability.
Symptoms
Individuals with pulmonary hypertension may experience fatigue due to normal physical exertion. Some patients may experience dull chest pain that mimics angina pectoris, a term used to describe chest pain when there is decreased blood flow to the heart muscle.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension can be determined through a battery of test such as a stress test, pulmonary functions test or pulmonary angiogram.
Treatment
Treatments with oxygen therapy may help improve day to day living. Anticoagulants and water pills may also be prescribed by your physician.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases surgery to remove blood clots that may forum in the pulmonary artery may be necessary.
Other surgical options can include heart and or lung transplant.
Prognosis
Without a transplant, the life expectancy of a patient diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension is approximately 2-8 years after diagnosis is made.
Tags: chest pain, pulmonary artery, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, Pulmonary Vascular, Pulmonary Vascular Disease, test pulmonary