Primary pulmonary hypertension is a very rare disease that is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure with no cause. It is also known as precapillary arterial hypertension or idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Today, the preferred term is IPAH and it represents pulmonary vascular disease with a spectrum of clinical presentations.

How does primary pulmonary hypertension occur?

This disease occurs when blood pressure in the pulmonary artery or the major blood vessel connecting the right heart ventricle and the lungs is higher than normal. It is known that our lungs are responsible for supplying the blood with oxygen and ridding the blood of carbon dioxide.

It is also a known fact that primary pulmonary hypertension occurs with nor apparent reason which is why it is called idiopathis pulmonary hypertension or unexplained pulmonary hypertension.

Since this is a very rare lung disorder because there is an estimate of 500-1,000 new cases being diagnosed each year in the US. The greatest number of primary pulmonary hypertension cases are reposted in women from ages 20-40, but men, women and children of all ages can develop this disease.

What are the pulmonary hypertension symptoms?

• Shortness of breath
• fatigue
• Edema

Also, a number of unknown causes or disease may lead to this serious malfunctioning. It encompasses a number of causative factors all of which are unknown.

What is strange is there are complications associated with primary pulmonary hypertension are understood but the exact cause of this disease is not discovered yet. There are a lot studies that carried out in this regard have, however, indicated that certain appetite suppressants can increase chances of developing this fatal condition. It has also been in theory that this can be inherited as a mutation of the BMPR2 gene. Cirrhosis of the liver, stimulant abuse and HIV infection are also considered close associates of primary pulmonary hypertension.

If you are experiencing pulmonary hypertension symptoms, it is very important that you head to your the hospital and have yourself checked. This is very important and you should not let it go without going through some tests. Also, having yourself checked gives you the chance to discuss options with your doctor and for the pulmonary hypertension not to worsen.