Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension Save

Understanding Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare but serious medical condition. It occurs when blood clots or thromboemboli are present in the lungs, leading to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. The continual increase in blood pressure can cause significant damage to the lungs and the right side of the heart.

CTEPH is a type of pulmonary hypertension (PH), which is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the lungs. Unlike other types of PH, CTEPH is curable with the use of surgery or medical therapy. However, it is essential to diagnose the condition early to avoid life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of CTEPH

The symptoms of CTEPH can vary from person to person. Some people may experience shortness of breath, while others may have chest pain or fatigue. Other symptoms may include:

1. Swelling in the legs
2. Blue lips or skin
3. Coughing up blood
4. Dizziness or fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of CTEPH

The exact cause of CTEPH is unknown. However, it is believed to be the result of blood clots that have formed in the lungs. These clots may have developed as a result of a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when blood clots form in the veins of the legs.

Other risk factors for CTEPH include:

1. Pulmonary embolism
2. Family history of blood clots
3. Smoking
4. Obesity
5. Heart or lung disease

Diagnosis of CTEPH

Diagnosing CTEPH can be challenging because it shares symptoms with other medical conditions. A doctor may use a variety of tests to diagnose the condition, including:

1. Chest X-ray
2. Echocardiogram
3. Pulmonary function tests
4. Computed tomography (CT) scan
5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
6. Pulmonary angiogram

If CTEPH is suspected, a doctor may refer a patient to a specialist who specializes in the treatment of PH.