Before we look at the causes of pulmonary hypertension, we need to understand what exactly the problem is. Pulmonary hypertension is a form of the disease that affects the pulmonary arteries of the body. These pulmonary arteries are the ones which carry blood from the heart to the lungs to be replenished with oxygen. The pressure in the pulmonary arteries is normally lower than that which is found in other parts of the circulatory system. When the pressure in the pulmonary arteries becomes elevated, it is referred to as pulmonary hypertension. As in the case of other forms of this disease, medical science is still unsure about the exact causes of pulmonary and various other types of hypertension, including the causes of portal hypertension. That is why pulmonary hypertension has been divided into two categories – primary, which is not caused by any other disease and secondary which is the result of another underlying condition. It is secondary hypertension that is the most common. The causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension are many.

The causes of pulmonary hypertension can be found in diseases of the heart and lungs. These include:

* COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease wherein the flow of blood in the heart is partially blocked leading to uneven blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
* A failure of the left ventricle of the heart which pumps the blood
* Emphysema of blocking of the lungs – often caused by smoking
* The development of blood clots that restrict the flow of blood in the pulmonary arteries and cause the blood pressure to rise
* HIV
* Advanced liver disease
* The use of street drug like methamphetamines and cocaine have now been listed as one of the causes of pulmonary hypertension
* Some anti obesity drugs have also been linked to pulmonary hypertension
* And a range of other heart related ailments

These are, by and large, not conditions that can be self diagnosed. It is only a medical checkup that can tell you if you have any of the causes of pulmonary hypertension and then begin medical treatment. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms in yourself, you should get checked up. These symptoms could be a signs that you are suffering from the disease or that the causes of pulmonary hypertension are present in your body:

* Shortness of breath, especially after any form of exertion
* Chest pain or angina
* Extreme fatigue or lethargy that does not seem to go away
* Unexplained swelling in the legs

This is a problem that should never be ignored. If you feel that you may be suffering from it or even from any of the causes of pulmonary hypertension, consult a doctor as soon as possible.