Risk Factors For Pulmonary Hypertension

High Altitudes

High altitudes are a major risk factor for pulmonary hypertension because the amount of oxygen in the air lowers as the altitude increases. However, because of the reduced oxygen, their pulmonary arteries will constrict. This will often mean that an individual’s heart and lungs must work harder to keep them breathing and pumping what little oxygen they do get around their body.

Individuals who are only spending a temporary period at a higher altitude, such as on a hiking trip up an incredibly large mountain, are better off. They can take supplemental oxygen with them and take things slower. However, they must return to a lower altitude is they start experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue. The risk of pulmonary hypertension is harder to decrease if individuals live at a higher altitude. Even if they have adapted, their arteries, heart, and lungs are still working much harder. This keeps their risk of pulmonary hypertension fairly high.

Uncover information on what congenital heart condition may cause pulmonary hypertension next.