Severe Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms and Their Impact on Health

Severe pulmonary hypertension presents in various ways, and its symptoms often develop gradually as the pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases. In the early stages, patients may not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, a range of clinical manifestations may appear.

Common Symptoms of Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

When pulmonary artery pressure exceeds 70 mmHg, individuals may begin to feel shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. In more advanced cases, this can progress to dyspnea even at rest, and in some instances, may lead to fainting spells. These symptoms occur due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively through the lungs under high pressure.

Additional Clinical Signs

Besides respiratory issues, patients may also suffer from angina or chest pain, which results from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Some individuals may experience hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, which can be alarming and requires immediate medical attention. Chest discomfort and unexplained fatigue are also frequently reported by those affected.

Heart-Related Complications

As the condition worsens, signs of right heart failure become more evident. These include swelling in the legs and ankles, fluid retention, and a general feeling of weakness. Right ventricular hypertrophy, where the heart's right chamber thickens due to increased workload, is commonly observed. Additionally, tricuspid regurgitation—where blood flows backward through the tricuspid valve—can develop, further straining the heart.

Diagnostic Approaches

Non-invasive diagnostic tools such as echocardiography play a key role in identifying pulmonary hypertension. However, the gold standard for diagnosis remains right heart catheterization, which allows for direct measurement of pulmonary artery pressure and provides the most accurate assessment of disease severity.