Heart valve disease - Symptoms and causes
Can High Blood Pressure Make You Breathless?
Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnoea, is a worrying symptom arising from many underlying health problems. While hypertension is often linked to lung or heart problems, the relationship between high blood pressure and dyspnoea requires careful consideration.
We spoke to our expert Dr Lakshmi Navya, Consultant- Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, who explained this connection and how it unfolds in the body.
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Shortness of Breath?Hypertension is not a direct cause of breathlessness. However, it dramatically raises the chances of having conditions that cause dyspnoea. Chronic, poorly controlled hypertension can lead to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), which is a thickening of the left ventricle of the heart. "This thickening makes it more difficult for the heart to relax and fill with blood, a condition known as diastolic dysfunction. This dysfunction can cause pulmonary congestion, which is characterised by shortness of breath, particularly with exertion or when lying down," explained Dr Navya.
The Role of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)Moreover, hypertension is also a predisposing factor to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CAD can manifest with dyspnoea, either due to angina or myocardial infarction.
A 2022 study highlighted that hypertension is a prevalent risk factor for CAD, as it can facilitate the development of coronary atherosclerosis and result in the narrowing of the coronary lumen. These two conditions frequently coexist due to overlapping risk factors, shared physiological mechanisms, and intricate interactions. Patients who have both CAD and HTN tend to experience poorer outcomes and prognosis compared to those with only one of the conditions.
Also Read: Oxygen Deficiency: How To Know If Your Body Is Low On Oxygen
Hypertensive Crisis and Pulmonary Oedema"Acute pulmonary oedema (APO) can also be caused by a severe and acute rise in blood pressure, known as a hypertensive crisis. It is a potentially life-threatening situation in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to severe respiratory distress," added Dr Navya.
According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the main treatments for APO include administering oxygen, positioning the patient in an upright position, using glyceryl trinitrate, applying positive airway pressure, administering frusemide, providing morphine, and utilising inotropic agents.
Other Possible Causes of BreathlessnessIt is essential to differentiate dyspnoea due to complications of hypertension from other possible etiologies, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, or pulmonary embolism. A complete clinical assessment can be performed for diagnosis. The evaluation comprises careful medical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests.
Also Read: Can Acid Reflux Lead To Breathlessness? Read On To Know
Diagnostic Tools to Identify the CauseTo determine the exact cause of dyspnoea, doctors may use a combination of diagnostic tools, including:
Dr Navya concluded. "Hypertension does not directly cause dyspnoea; however, it can lead to long-term effects on the heart and arteries, significantly increasing the risk of other conditions that do. Therefore, the appropriate treatment of hypertension is essential not only to prevent cardiovascular events but also to reduce the risk for dyspnoea secondary to these issues. A thorough clinical examination is crucial in determining the aetiology of dyspnoea in hypertensive individuals and is central to the personalisation of treatment approaches."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]
Can High Blood Pressure Cause Shortness Of Breath?
Not being able to catch your breath is scary, but shortness of breath can occur in a wide range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure and pulmonary hypertension.
Traditional hypertension (high blood pressure) is diagnosed when your heart has to beat harder and with more force to overcome narrow or blocked blood vessels in your body. This problem can be the result of things like high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.
Pulmonary hypertension — high blood pressure affecting the heart and lungs — sounds similar, but in this case, the increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs may not be widespread. Instead, the real problem is with the pressure in the arteries that move blood between your heart and lungs.
Read on for more about how high blood pressure can affect your breathing and other ways your blood pressure might be linked to shortness of breath.
High blood pressure may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why it's called "the silent killer."
When you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work much harder to pump blood to your entire body. Overworking your heart can, over time, lead to a number of other health problems like cardiovascular disease, which can cause shortness of breath as a symptom.
Some people with hypertension may experience a hypertensive emergency or crisis during which their blood pressure becomes extremely elevated. This medical emergency can cause shortness of breath because of the associated edema or swelling. A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care.
Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure affecting the heart and lungs. It develops when the pressure inside the vessels that move blood between your heart and lungs is high.
Blood that has returned from circulation in your body and has been depleted of oxygen cycles through the heart and then onto the lungs, where it's enriched with fresh oxygen before returning to the heart for system-wide circulation.
Pulmonary hypertension, on the other hand, can appear not just with shortness of breath but with these other symptoms, too:
If shortness of breath appears alongside general high blood pressure, there are likely other issues that are contributing to this symptom, such as:
If you are becoming short of breath frequently, or it's severe enough that you aren't able to speak a full sentence without struggling for breath, see your primary healthcare professional for a physical examination.
Shortness of breath that leaves you lightheaded, with blue-tinged lips or fingernails, or causes you to lose consciousness requires immediate evaluation, and call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Shortness of breath or labored breathing can lead to all kinds of complications, whether the cause is hypertension or something else.
Untreated shortness of breath can cause hypoxia, which is low levels of oxygen in your blood and tissues. When this happens, certain tissues — especially critical organs like the brain and heart — become permanently injured or destroyed.
Additionally, untreated high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing a wide range of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and even stroke or heart attack.
For pulmonary hypertension, in particular, the main complication to watch for is heart failure. Long-term overworking of the heart actually enlarges and weakens cardiac muscles, and your heart pumps less effectively. When this happens, oxygenated blood can't get to where it needs to go, resulting in tissue damage and other serious problems.
General hypertension can be treated with a combination of diet and lifestyle changes and medications. If you have pulmonary hypertension specifically, you may be prescribed various inhaled, oral, or intravenous medications or even oxygen therapy.
Like with general hypertension, you should also consider making the following changes, if applicable:
There are five main types of pulmonary hypertension, and your treatment will depend on which group yours falls into. The different types of pulmonary hypertension are grouped by the cause, underlying conditions, and symptoms you experience.
While a specific diagnosis may make treatment options seem promising, there's really no cure for pulmonary hypertension. Instead, your healthcare professional will work with you to manage your symptoms and prevent additional complications.
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There's no singular cure for pulmonary hypertension, and even symptom management and ongoing treatments can be complicated by the management of other health problems you may have.
However, with the right lifestyle changes and medications, you and your healthcare professional can develop a treatment strategy that can help you maintain and stay active.
Not all cases of general high blood pressure or pulmonary hypertension are preventable, but there are several things you can do to reduce your chances of these conditions and other cardiovascular diseases.
Quitting smoking, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular exercise are all helpful, but it's also important to take any medications your healthcare professional prescribes you.
Failure to take medications that are meant to control things like your cholesterol and blood pressure could lead to many other health issues, complications, and symptoms like shortness of breath.
Is pulmonary hypertension curable?
Pulmonary hypertension isn't really curable, but it's treatable. Your doctor will prescribe things like medications and things like oxygen therapy to help you manage your symptoms.
Does pulmonary hypertension run in families?
Not all pulmonary hypertension is inherited, but the condition does run in some families. Tell your doctor if you know of a close blood relative with pulmonary hypertension.
Is shortness of breath from pulmonary hypertension fatal?
Shortness of breath for any reason can be life threatening if it becomes severe enough. If you experience shortness of breath that causes symptoms like fainting, lightheadedness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.
Hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases can all develop into serious medical issues that may appear with shortness of breath.
Pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that develops in the blood vessels between your heart and lungs, is the main kind of hypertension that results in shortness of breath.
If you have frequent or severe shortness of breath, discuss your symptoms with your healthcare professional as soon as possible to avoid potentially dangerous complications.
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema is a buildup of fluid in your lungs. That can make it hard for you to breathe.
When you take a breath, your lungs should fill with air. If you have pulmonary edema, they fill with fluid instead. When that happens, oxygen from the air can't get from your lungs into your blood, where it's needed.
Acute pulmonary edema comes on suddenly and can be life-threatening. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 right away:
When the problem happens over time, it's called chronic pulmonary edema. You may:
There are two main kinds of pulmonary edema: cardiogenic and noncardiogenic.
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema
This type is caused by a problem with your heart.
In many cases, your left ventricle (one of the chambers of your heart) isn't able to pump out blood that enters through blood vessels from your lung. This creates a buildup of pressure and fluid.
Narrow arteries, heart muscle damage, heart valve problems, and high blood pressure are among the conditions that can weaken your left ventricle.
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema
This type isn't related to heart problems. Other causes include:
Pulmonary edema also can be brought on from being in high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet. Mountain climbers should get to lower ground and seek medical attention if they have:
It's easy to get pulmonary edema mixed up with some other lung conditions.
Pleural effusion
Unlike pulmonary edema, in which fluid collects inside your lungs, pleural effusion is when it builds up in the layers of tissue that line the outside of your lungs and the inside of your chest. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. It can be caused by problems like heart failure, blood clots, pneumonia, kidney disease, and tuberculosis.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia also leads to fluid buildup in the tiny air sacs in your lungs, but it's caused by an infection with a virus, bacteria, or fungus. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, fatigue, a fever, shortness of breath, and stomach problems. Pneumonia can sometimes cause pulmonary edema.
To help your doctor find out what's going on, you may need to:
If you're having trouble breathing and your oxygen level is low, you'll get oxygen right away. You may get it through a face mask, or with tubes put inside your nostrils.
Your treatment will depend on what's causing your pulmonary edema. Whether it's your heart, medication, or an illness, your doctor will try to deal with the problem that brought it on.
The doctor may prescribe medicine such as a diuretic to lower the pressure on your heart and lungs.
Some lifestyle changes can prevent pulmonary edema or help keep the condition in check. Keep your heart healthy by:
If you're going somewhere at a higher elevation, try to get used to the altitude change slowly. Talk to your doctor about medications that might make you less likely to get high-altitude pulmonary edema.
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