Pulmonary arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs and pulmonary arterial hypertension is a condition that affects them. Because of this disorder, individuals suffering from it may suffer from a variety of symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, pain in the chest, irregular heartbeat, swelling, etc. Symptoms of this condition usually take a lot of time to be detected as in the early stages, they aren’t visible enough or can be attributed to other health problems. As early detection is difficult through just the observation of symptoms, it can be helpful for one to understand the causes and risk factors.

The disease is a rare form of hypertension and the changes that occur in it affect very small arteries, which carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. In an individual who suffers from the condition, the walls of the pulmonary arteries become stiffer and thicker with time. When this happens, the hollow space in the arteries narrows down. This leads to a reduction in space for the blood to flow through.

So now the amount of blood that reaches the lungs in a given amount of time reduces significantly while the needs of the body for oxygen-rich blood remain the same. This leads the heart to exert more pressure to pump the blood into the arteries and the pressure on the heart also increases simultaneously. As a consequence, the blood pressure increases and the condition rendered is known as pulmonary arterial hypertension. This condition can also be inherited, although this is rare. It is can also be the result of some other health complications or the use of certain medications.

Several other conditions that are connected to the cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension are as follows:

• Portal hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure inside the liver is extremely high. It leads to the swelling of veins.
• Glycogen storage disorder
• Use of certain drugs or medications
• Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis is another rare condition. In this, tiny blood vessels called capillaries grow within the lungs. These capillaries cause further blockages.
• Connective tissue disorder will lead to the development of thickened areas of skin and also lead to several problems associated with the blood vessels. One example of such a disorder is scleroderma.
• Congenital heart problems such as a hole in the heart
• HIV/ AIDS
• Thyroid gland disorders
• Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

The number of people who develop pulmonary arterial hypertension without a precursor of any health condition causing it is very less. When that happens, the cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension would be called idiopathic — which indicates that the cause of the condition is not found.

If symptoms don’t improve even with common therapies and medication, it is important that one immediately consult the doctor so as to prevent any further complications.