What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary and hypertension are not two words we usually hear together. Pulmonary means relating to the lungs, and hypertension means high blood pressure. Pulmonary hypertension, therefore, is high blood pressure that takes place in the arteries of the lungs.

But pulmonary hypertension is not just a subcategory of hypertension; it is its own unique, progressive, life-threatening disease. Among other differences, hypertension is known as the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms. Pulmonary hypertension, on the other hand, causes shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and chest pressure.

Because these symptoms are common to many other conditions, pulmonary hypertension is often misdiagnosed. A survey conducted by Canada’s Pulmonary Hypertension Association found that patients waited an average of three years to receive a proper diagnosis.

While any type of hypertension causes the heart to work harder than it was meant to, pulmonary hypertension leads to a condition called cor pulmonale, the medical term for right-sided heart failure.

While there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, treatment is possible to control its symptoms and prevent continued lung damage. Treatments vary from blood thinners to oxygen therapy to, in some cases lung or heart-lung transplants.

An important aspect of treatment for this difficult condition is receiving the best possible care. Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in the scenic beach town of Keansburg, NJ, specializes in pulmonary care. Headed by leading pulmonary specialist Dr. Avtar Parhar, our program is the most highly advanced pulmonary rehabilitation program in Monmouth County. At Laurel Bay, we focus on restorative and preventive care for those who suffer with chronic respiratory disease.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say about the level of care we provide.

Or better yet, come see for yourself. Contact us to schedule a tour by clicking here or by calling (372) 787-8100.