Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Complication
The Complications associated with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension can lead to fatal consequences in patients afflicted by this progressive lung disorder. However, there is no reason for despair. The situation may be grave but a variety of treatments are now available, aiming at prevention or even curing of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension-related Complications.
A serious Complication may be blood clots. Blood clot formation where there is no need for it can turn fatal. If there are clots in the small arteries of the lungs then this can pose a threat by disturbing the already narrowed or blocked blood vessels, thereby terminating normal blood circulation to the lungs. This undesirable clotting or coagulation of blood can be remedied by the use of anti-coagulants. However, it must be remembered that anti-coagulants have their own risks and benefits, which need to be carefully considered by a doctor prior to administration.
Fluid build-up in the body may be another complication. Two kinds of edemas- pedal edema (fluid accumulation in legs) and ascites (fluid accumulation in abdomen) are among such Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Complications. Pulmonary edema may also develop as a complication, whereby the lungs fill with accumulated fluid. This may even prove to be fatal, as the accumulated fluid can hamper the proper exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. As medication for such edema, diuretics are helpful. A less-fluid, low-sodium diet may also manage the risks of such complications.
The enlargement of the heart’s right ventricle, leading to its functional failure, is among the most serious of the Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Complications. This might even lead to a complete failure of the heart.
Several drug treatments come in aid of these complications- digoxin therapy, vasodilators, calcium channel blockers; endothelin receptor antagonists and oxygen therapies are carried out as treatment. It may be that a lung transplant proves a workable solution for the prevention or treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Complications.