Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a medical condition of high blood pressure. This is a condition when the tiny arteries in the lungs, which are known as pulmonary arterioles, and capillaries become narrowed or are blocked and destroyed. Because of this, it becomes harder for blood to flow through the lungs. This raises pressure within the lungs’ arteries. Owing to this pressure, the heart’s lower right chamber or right ventricle needs to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. Eventually, the heart muscles become weaker and fail.

In serious conditions, the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension become progressively worse and sometimes this can lead to death. This article is an attempt to shed light on the symptoms and causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension
The causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension can vary and also change as the disease progresses.

• The diseases that affect flow out of the heart to the rest of the body result in stacking of blood. This raises the pulmonary venous pressure leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is also responsible for causing pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is a process in which the lung vessels narrow in an attempt to divert blood from poorly functioning segments of the lung.
• Remodeling of the blood vessels is another cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It occurs in some diseases whereby the inner lining or lumen of the vessel becomes narrowed due to the inappropriate growth of the tissue.
• Various substances also lead to the constriction of the blood vessels. In rare cases, pulmonary arterial hypertension is reported due to the use of various anti-obesity drugs.
• Various diseases raise pulmonary pressures to cause pulmonary artery hypertension for unclear reasons. Perhaps an unknown toxin or chemical affects the blood vessels by causing constriction or inappropriate growth of the tissue within or around the vessel.

Risk factors of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Individuals have higher chances of developing the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension if they fall under the below categories:

• Among young adults, the chances of developing idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension are more common.
• If the individual is overweight, they might fall prey to this condition.
• An individual’s family history plays a huge part as it increases the risk of them being diagnosed with this condition.
• Individuals who are under the influence of cocaine and other such substances should be wary of the consequences.
• If an individual consumes certain appetite-suppressant medications, they are in danger of being diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Across the cases, during the early stages, the signs and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension are not noticeable. It may take years for the symptoms to become visible. The symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension become worse with the progress of the disease. The prime symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension include:

• Dyspnea or shortness of breath (this happens initially while exercising and eventually while at rest)
• Fatigue
• Fainting spells or dizziness
• Chest pain or pressure
• Swelling across ankles, legs, etc., which eventually spreads to the abdomen
• Heart palpitations or racing pulse

If you notice the aforementioned symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, immediately consult a doctor to prevent any further damage.