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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease, characterized by elevated pressure in the arteries of the respiratory system, causing a decrease in blood flow from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. This pathology is associated with various diseases such as congenital heart disease, pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Pathophysiology
It is mainly caused by endothelial (tissue) damage, due to the instability of factors involved in the processes of vasoconstriction and vasodilation of the arteries adjacent to the heart, presenting cell proliferation of the intimal layer, located in the muscle fiber, causing an obstruction in the vascular lumen (central space of an artery or vein through which blood flows).
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension may include the following:
Dyspnea or shortness of breath at rest and during physical activity
Dry cough, brought on by exertion
Fatigue
Cyanosis: the bluish color of the lips and skin
Chest pain
Accelerated heart rate (palpitations)
Increase of volume in legs and ankles (swelling)
Dizziness and syncope (fainting)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by physical examination, allowing the identification of the patient's symptoms and specific clinical tests to confirm the hemodynamic criteria of the disease such as electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, echocardiography, contrast CT scan, and right heart catheterization.
Treatment
The management and control of this pathology are focused on the stabilization of patients' symptoms due to its complexity, requiring treatment in specialized care centers, complying with some preventive measures to improve their quality of life such as staying hydrated, moderate physical activity, and avoiding strenuous exercise.
Although this disease does not have a definitive cure, pharmacological treatment is carried out through vasodilators (drugs that open or dilate blood vessels), such as endothelin receptor antagonists (for example, Bosentan), and prostanoids (drugs derived from eicosanoid fatty acids), such as Sildenafil, which allow the modulation of vasoactive agents in the endothelium of the arterial vessels. In addition, guanylate cyclase stimulators, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, diuretics, and oxygen therapy may be used, depending on the patient's clinical picture.
Currently, at Alpha Research Institute, we have a clinical study for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, with the purpose of creating future medications, seeking to improve people's quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with this condition and wish to participate as a volunteer, donating a biological sample (blood), you must be at least 18 years old, have a clinical diagnosis by a medical specialist, and be free of infectious diseases such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C. Additionally, thanks to your time and participation you will receive financial compensation of $50.
If you wish to participate in the study, please enter the following button, filling out the requested form.