Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a condition that can become fatal in time if the signs and symptoms are not properly diagnosed on time and proper care is not given. There are treatments however which are capable of helping individuals live with the symptoms of this condition in a better way.

When the blood pressure is significantly higher in the arteries which are present between the heart and the lungs, the condition affecting the body is known as Pulmonary arterial hypertension. This condition makes it difficult for the flow of blood due to the narrowing of small arteries present in the lungs. This, in consequence, increases blood pressure. Hence, the condition is different than the normal high blood pressure situation.

The signs and symptoms of this condition are as follows:

Oxygen deprivation
In this condition, the arteries carrying the blood between the heart and lungs are affected and become narrow. This causes an interruption in the flow of blood from the heart to lungs which ultimately affects the availability of oxygen to the body. This symptom develops to display the signs of hypoxia and rapid breathing in the patient. If any physical activity is performed, this shortness of breath would worsen.

Louder sounds during auscultation
Auscultation is the procedure where the doctor or physician listens to the sounds from the heart, lungs, and other organs through a stethoscope. During this procedure, the doctor may find abnormal sounds that are loud in functioning organs.

Elevation of the chest wall
During the regular tests, the doctor/ physician might also notice an elevation in the chest wall when the heart pumps. One of the signs and symptoms that is experienced by a patient suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension is the enlargement of the right side of the heart. If this enlargement is found, it could be indicative of the condition.

Swelling
As the condition progresses, the damage caused would also increase significantly. Shortness of breath increases and becomes more inconvenient as time passes. This would eventually also increase the problem of fluid retention in the body. This problem occurs because of the inability of the body to pump the blood forward. Because of the increased fluid retention, patients suffering from this condition may find swelling in the legs.

Fatigue
Pulmonary arterial hypertension affects the amount of oxygen available to the body and as the condition progresses, this problem of reduced oxygen availability becomes more pronounced. Because of this, the patient wouldn’t have enough energy to perform regular activities, in general. Consequences of exerting oneself, in the same manner, could result in dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, and in some cases, cough also.

Other manifestations
One of the most common manifestations of the condition could be observed in the form of chest pain and angina. In addition to that, based on the underlying condition leading to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension, the patients may develop various other signs and symptoms of other conditions. Some examples of other manifestations are the changes in the skin which are mostly observed in scleroderma and other conditions.