Pulmonary hypertension is not the same condition as ordinary high blood pressure. This disease involves the arteries leading from the heart to the lungs, which may cause shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue. Some people also notice swelling in the legs and may faint easily. Once a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is made, the condition may be addressed on multiple levels. A pulmonary hypertension medication may be prescribed to lower the blood pressure in the affected arteries. Drugs may also be used to treat the underlying condition causing the pulmonary hypertension. This article will explain some of the choices available in pulmonary hypertension medication that a doctor may use to manage symptoms and stop the progression of the disease.

Lowering Blood Pressure: There are a number of types of pulmonary hypertension medication used for this purpose. Calcium channel blockers are one of the more common hypertension medications used for this purpose, although the dosage offered for pulmonary hypertension is usually higher. Other medications used for this purpose include endothelin receptor antagonists, prostanoids and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. These medications work by altering blood vessels in some way so blood can flow more freely through them. This takes some of the stress off the heart so it doesn’t suffer damage from overworking.

Protecting the Blood: Blood thinners are another common pulmonary hypertension medication. Also known as anticoagulants, these medications keep the blood thin so that clots cannot form. In addition to allowing blood to flow more freely, blood thinners also protect the heart, brain and lungs from clots that can cause life threatening problems like a heart attack or stroke. The biggest drawback to this type of pulmonary hypertension medication is that it can pose a bleeding risk if the patient becomes injured or requires surgery. Patients on blood thinners need to be monitored regularly for this reason.

Oxygen: While oxygen is not considered a pulmonary hypertension medication, it is often necessary for people with this disease. It is used in patients who complain of shortness of breath to make them more comfortable. It is also often prescribed for patients who live at a higher altitude or suffer from sleep apnea. In some cases, patients with this condition may need to be on oxygen all the time, on top of taking pulmonary hypertension medication.

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition that has no known cure at this time. However, people who take pulmonary hypertension medication can relieve many of the symptoms, prolong their life expectancy and improve their quality of life.