Pulmonary Hypertension and eMedicine

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare but life-threatening disease characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. Patients who suffer from PH experience narrowing and blockage of the pulmonary arteries. The pulmonary arteries are responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the lungs, and the obstruction makes it harder for the heart to correctly pump the blood. As a result, the heart becomes stressed, enlarged and weakened, which can result in right heart failure and death.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include shortness of breath (dyspnea), fatigue, dizziness or fainting spells (syncope), chest pressure or pain, swelling (edema) in the abdomen, ankles and legs, bluish color in the lips and skin (cyanosis), and irregular heart beat. While the disease has always existed, it was first defined in 1891. Research since then has increased understanding of the disease, but no cure for pulmonary hypertension has been found.  Many treatments can help manage the disease.

History of eMedicine

While patients and the members of the PH community are advised to seek a specialist for information, diagnoses and treatment for the disease, people tend to search first and additionally on the internet for whatever helpful information they can find.

eMedicine is one of the most used and reliable resources online, not only for pulmonary hypertension, but numerous other health issues. Defined as an online clinical medical knowledge base, eMedicine was created in 1996 by Drs. Scott Plantz and Richard Lavely to serve as emergency medicine textbook.

Its range and influence has largely increased since the late 1990s and the platform, free for research after registration, was acquired by the company WebMD in 2006. eMedicine currently includes nearly 68,000 articles, which are associated with 62 clinical sub specialty textbooks. All of the articles are authored by board certified experts and a diverse list of 10,000 specialists from around the world. The articles can be downloaded.

eMedicine and Pulmonary Hypertension Patients

The platform currently includes information concerning more than 20 medical fields and dozens of support pieces about each of the diseases. For patients with from pulmonary hypertension, it may be a resource for learning general information about the disease, medication or treatments.

It is not a substitute for medical visits nor does it provide the latest news pulmonary hypertension.

eMedicine presents the most basic information, including the differences between primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension. Articles can provide insight about pediatric primary pulmonary hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension (IPAH) or persistent newborn pulmonary hypertension (PNPH), and features about each subtype of disease. Limited information about targeted therapies, some causes of the disease and contributing factors to disease progression are also included.

Note: Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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