Health Tip: Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension

(HealthDay News) -- Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the arteries of the lungs become narrow and restrict the flow of blood from the heart.

Blood pressure increases in these arteries and ultimately causes the right ventricle of the heart to become weaker and possibly fail.

The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center says that by the time symptoms of pulmonary hypertension appear, the condition probably has progressed considerably. The most common symptoms include shortness of breath during regular activities like climbing stairs, as well as dizziness, fainting, and chest pain.

Treatment for pulmonary hypertension depends on its cause, the clinic says. These may include medication, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, or surgery.