when pulmonary artery pressure reaches a level that is inappropriate to cardiac output
What characterizes pulmonary HTN?
high flow circulation, low flow circulation(low pressure, low resistance) and adjusts to increase BP during exercise(blood vessels distends and uses more oxygen)
What is idiopathic (primary) pulmonary hypertension also known?
plexogenic pulmonary arteriopathy
Who does primary pulmonary hypertension affect the most?
young and middle age female
What are the main characteristics of primary pulmonary hypertension?
hyperthrophy of pulmonary artery endothelium, loss of elasticity, narrowing of pulmonary arterioles
What causes primary pulmonary hypertension?
increase in pulmonary artery pressure to meet cardiac output, produces structural abnormality-hypertrophy of smooth muscles in the pulmonary artery, causes proliferation of intimal, stimulates atheromatous changes, thrombosis forms
What are some physiological causes of secondary pulmonary HTN?
What findings are more characteristic of secondary pulmonary hypertension than primary pulmonary hypertension?
radiographic findings usually those of the underlying process, echocardiographic findings may help distinguish primary from secondary pulmonary hypertension
What is the treatment for primary pulmonary hypertension?