Causes & Types of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary arterial hypertension occurs when there is abnormally elevated pressure in the blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. It is a rare but critical disease which causes the pulmonary arteries to become narrow and stiff. It can lead to enlargement and weakening of the heart, ultimately causing right heart failure or other life-threatening consequences. It is difficult to determine the causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension but research has identified certain key factors. Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension The medical term “idiopathic” means the cause of the disease is unknown. Doctors and physicians use “idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension” term when they have no explanation of its cause. This condition is exceedingly rare and difficult to treat since the underlying cause remains concealed. Causes of Inherited Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Pulmonary arterial hypertension can be hereditary In this case, physicians conduct a genetic test to search for the defective gene. Early and routine screening is important for individuals with a family history of the condition as the disease tends to get more severe with each generation. Causes of Persistent Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Related to Newborn Babies This type of hypertension occurs in about two in every thousand infants or young children.