What are the causes of pulmonary hypertension?
There are really two different kinds of pulmonary hypertension, each with its own explanation: In primary pulmonary hypertension, the cause of the disease; the cause is unknown. This kind of pulmonary hypertension is very rare. In secondary pulmonary hypertension, there is an underlying disease which is causing the pulmonary hypertension. Some of the underlying diseases that can cause pulmonary hypertension are: • COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) — this is the most common cause • pulmonary fibrosis • cystic fibrosis • scleroderma • CREST syndrome • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) • some congenital heart diseases • chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (old blood clots in the pulmonary artery) What are the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension? Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include: • feeling short of breath • fatigue • chest pain • dizzy spells, fainting (passing out) If you have these symptoms, or if you think you have pulmonary hypertension, see your doctor. Your symptoms cou
