Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension at 40 mmHg

Common Symptoms of Elevated Pulmonary Blood Pressure

Shortness of Breath: This is the most common and often the first symptom of pulmonary hypertension. Initially, breathlessness occurs during physical activity, but as the condition progresses, it can worsen to the point where even resting can cause difficulty breathing.

Chest Pain: Increased strain on the right side of the heart can lead to chest discomfort or pain. This symptom is often due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle and typically occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress.

Dizziness or Fainting: A decrease in cardiac output can lead to sudden drops in blood flow to the brain, causing lightheadedness or fainting spells. These episodes are more likely to occur during activity, although they can also happen at rest in more severe cases.

Coughing Up Blood: Some patients may experience mild hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and in rare cases, severe bleeding can occur, which may be life-threatening.

Additional Signs and Associated Symptoms

General Fatigue: Many individuals report persistent tiredness and weakness, which can interfere with normal activities.

Raynaud's Phenomenon:

Approximately 10% of patients may develop Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition where fingers or toes turn pale or blue in response to cold or stress due to restricted blood flow.

Voice Hoarseness:

In some instances, an enlarged pulmonary artery can compress the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to hoarseness or a change in voice, a condition sometimes referred to as Ortner's syndrome.