Arizona Medical Malpractice Lawyers for the Victims of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs which force the right side of the heart to work much harder than it should.  This occurs when the pulmonary arteries, which are normally open and elastic, become tight and stiff, making it harder for blood to flow through.

Pulmonary hypertension makes it hard for the right side of the heart to pump blood through the lungs to get oxygen.  When the heart works harder, the walls of the heart can thicken and the right side of the heart can become enlarged. The heart muscle may eventually weaken and fail completely.  When less blood is able to flow through the lungs, it reduces the amount of oxygen delivered throughout the body causing a variety of problems.

Some of the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, chest pressure or pain, swelling in the lower extremities, a racing pulse or heart palpitations.

Treatment and Prognosis

Pulmonary hypertension is not curable, but it can be treated with medications which help the blood vessels in the lungs open up and improve blood flow.  In the most serious cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the right side of the heart, or a lung or heart/lung transplant, may be necessary.  As with many medical conditions, early diagnosis is likely to improve the ability to manage the condition.  Lifestyle changes which may help improve pulmonary hypertension include getting plenty of rest, exercising appropriately, refraining from smoking, avoiding high altitude living or travel, stress reduction, and a healthy diet.

Contact Our Phoenix, Arizona Medical Malpractice Law Firm for Claims Involving Pulmonary Hypertension

Contact us at (602) 648-3200 about any medical malpractice involving pulmonary hypertension that you or a loved one may have experienced anywhere in Arizona. Consultations are free and confidential.