What It Is
High blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension (PHT). The blood pressure measured by cuff on your arm isn't directly related to the pressure in your lungs. The blood vessels that supply the lungs constrict and their walls thicken, so they can't carry as much blood. As in a kinked garden hose, pressure builds up and backs up. The heart works harder, trying to force the blood through. If the pressure is high enough, eventually the heart can't keep up, and less blood can circulate through the lungs to pick up oxygen. Patients then become tired, dizzy and short of breath. If a pre-existing disease triggered the PHT, doctors call it secondary PHT. That's because it's secondary to another problem, such as a heart or lung disorder. Congenital heart disease can cause PHT.
It's important to repair congenital heart problems (when possible) before permanent pulmonary hypertensive changes develop. Intracardiac left-to-right shunts (such as a ventricular or atrial septal defect, a hole in the wall between the two ventricles or atria) can cause too much blood flow through the lungs. This situation is sometimes called Eisenmenger complex. Heart valve conditions, such as mitral stenosis (a narrowing of the mitral valve), can also cause PHT. Fixing the valve usually reverses the PHT.
. Congenital heart disease can cause PHT.
It's important to repair congenital heart problems (when possible) before permanent pulmonary hypertensive changes develop. Intracardiac left-to-right shunts (such as a ventricular or atrial septal defect, a hole in the wall between the two ventricles or atria) can cause too much blood flow through the lungs. This situation is sometimes called Eisenmenger complex. Heart valve conditions, such as mitral stenosis (a narrowing of the mitral valve), can also cause PHT. Fixing the valve usually reverses the PHT.
thanks for the info. thats already more than my dr has told me.
Dave, I just looked up ASD and from what I read, it looks like you might have had an undiagnosed "hole in the heart" from childhood. Definitely keep us posted here. It sounds like they can surgically repair the defect, which could help with the pulmonary hypertension, though it's possible you might require some medication, too. In any event, your multiple fans out here wish you the best of all possible prognoses! Good luck!
PS I think I vaguely remember reading about the possible use of Viagra for pulmonary hypertension in high altitude climbers. I suppose if you HAVE to take medication, this would be one of the better ones to have to take.
ok, after a nuke stress, there appears to be some ASD going on. cardio catheterization next step and then.......we'll see.
my heart is my second favorite organ.
Dave, I just looked up ASD and from what I read, it looks like you might have had an undiagnosed "hole in the heart" from childhood. Definitely keep us posted here. It sounds like they can surgically repair the defect, which could help with the pulmonary hypertension, though it's possible you might require some medication, too. In any event, your multiple fans out here wish you the best of all possible prognoses! Good luck!
PS I think I vaguely remember reading about the possible use of Viagra for pulmonary hypertension in high altitude climbers. I suppose if you HAVE to take medication, this would be one of the better ones to have to take.
thanks jim.
i believe that the "hole" has always been there. i suppose if it was bigger it would have been diagnosed sooner.
if viagra were a necessary medication......at least i'm not a backstroker!
Best of luck on the surgery.
You said on your blog that you wanted to live at least as long as Mick Jagger. I'm sure you'll make his chronological age (65) and no doubt his apparent cellular age (89-90) as well. :)
I usually recommend a transesophageal echo (TEE) to better visualize the ASD. Many can be closed with an umbrella-like device deployed nonsurgically through a catheter. Prognosis is usually excellent unless the pulmonary hypertension is severe. Good luck.
I usually recommend a transesophageal echo (TEE) to better visualize the ASD. Many can be closed with an umbrella-like device deployed nonsurgically through a catheter. Prognosis is usually excellent unless the pulmonary hypertension is severe. Good luck.
would the TEE be performed during the catheterization?
i believe this is the next procedure i am scheduled for, but i'm not expecting any additional info until after the holiday weekend.
would the TEE be performed during the catheterization?
No. It is a separate outpatient procedure. A TEE is similar to an endoscopy; you are sedated and an ultrasound probe is placed in your esophagus, which passes directly behind the heart. It provides a very clear picture of structures and abnormalities within the heart.
The primary reason to perform a cardiac cath is to look for coronary artery disease. An ASD will not be visualized, but its presence can be confirmed by measuring the blood oxygen saturation in different chambers/vessels.
