Pulmonary Hypertension: Symptoms
This information was reviewed and approved by Marjorie Patricia George, MD (7/1/2019).
Healthy pulmonary arteries of the lungs are elastic. They expand and contract with each beat of the heart. In pulmonary hypertension, arteries stiffen and thicken. This leads to increased resistance to blood passing through the vessel, thereby increasing pressure. Higher pulmonary pressure can lead to symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. These symptoms can involve the heart.
View Do I Have High Blood Pressure in My Lungs Infographic
Common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may include:
Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
Fatigue
Low oxygen levels
Chest pain or pressure
Near-fainting/fainting
Palpitations
Swelling of the ankles or abdomen
Heart failure (in advanced cases).
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