Pulmonary Hypertension

I got the results of the echo cardiogram, which looked for pulmonary hypertension. Those of us with lung disease often don't exercise or supply our hearts with enough oxygen at times and these and other issues can cause a thickening to an area of the heart. I do not want it. It would be a reason to need a transplant now. I hoped that the ten years of exercising almost everyday had not allowed this to happen to my heart. A quick statement about PH from the Mayo Clinic is below.

The results? Drum roll, please! I do not have it. My numbers were compared to the test several years ago and there was a minor increase in the pressures in my lungs. All good news.

Here is a quick statement about PH from the Mayo Clinic:

Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of your heart.

Pulmonary hypertension begins when tiny arteries in your lungs, called pulmonary arteries, and capillaries become narrowed, blocked or destroyed. This makes it harder for blood to flow through your lungs, and raises pressure within your lungs' arteries. As the pressure builds, your heart's lower right chamber (right ventricle) must work harder to pump blood through your lungs, eventually causing your heart muscle to weaken and eventually fail.

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious illness that becomes progressively worse and is sometimes fatal. Although pulmonary hypertension isn't curable, treatments are available that can help lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life.