Can Pulmonary Hypertension Be Prevented?

For many types of pulmonary hypertension (PH), there is no way to prevent the development of the disease. There is either no known cause, as in cases of idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, or the disease develops as a complication of another serious disease such as scleroderma, connective tissue disease, HIV, or cirrhosis of the liver. In rare cases, pulmonary hypertension is genetic.

MORE: What is familial pulmonary hypertension?

However, according to Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada, some cases of pulmonary hypertension are preventable through early diagnosis and the treatment of other diseases that could lead to the development of PH.

These include:

• Other lung diseases where low oxygen levels in the blood are detected. If treated in time, this could prevent pulmonary hypertension from occurring.
• Congenital heart disease can also lead to PH, but by detecting the disease at birth and monitoring it throughout childhood, along with performing any necessary surgeries can help to prevent the onset of PH.
• Pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) can lead to PH if not treated in time. However, if caught early, embolisms can be treated with anti-coagulants (or blood thinners) and PH can be avoided.

MORE: Seven diseases that may cause pulmonary hypertension. 

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 another 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.