Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the arteries that lead to the lungs. If no other cause can be found, the condition is called primary pulmonary hypertension.

What is going on in the body?

The pulmonary blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries in the lungs. This is not the same as the blood pressure that is measured in a doctor's office. Pulmonary pressure can only be measured by special tests, such as x-ray tests. The blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries can be high for many reasons. In some cases, no cause for the increased pressure is found. This is known as primary pulmonary hypertension, which is rare.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

The cause of this rare condition is unknown. Some cases are thought to be inherited. This condition is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.

The main risks of this condition are a weakening of the heart and death, both of which usually occur.