Treatment of pulmonary hypertension: medications and surgical procedures

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker

In the past, treatment of pulmonary hypertension used to offer minimal options. Nowadays, it is different.

Pharmacological treatment can alleviate the difficulties and progression of the disease. It improves the overall physical condition and alleviates the difficulties of physical exertion.

It improves the overall quality of life, including life expectancy.

According to the European Society of Cardiology and the European Respiratory Society
treatment is classified as follows:

  1. general therapeutic measures
    • adequate physical activity
    • avoiding altitudes above 1500 m
    • oxygen therapy during long flights 
    • vaccination against influenza, pneumococci
    • anticoagulant therapy - against blood clotting
    • psychosocial support
    • use of contraceptive methods for women
  2. conventional non-specific pharmacotherapy
    • treatment of heart failure
    • supportive therapy for heart function
    • anticoagulant therapy
    • diuretics - dehydrating drugs
    • oxygen inhalation treatment
      • Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)
  3. specific treatment that includes different medications
    • prostanoids, prostacyclan analogues
    • endothelin ETA/ETB receptor antagonists
    • phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor
  4. intervention and surgical procedures
    • choice of method according to the evoking form (heart defects and valve defects)
    • lung transplant
    • in the absence of conservative methods

Gravidity = Pregnancy in women with pulmonary hypertension is contraindicated. 
The reason is a high risk of morbidity and mortality for the woman and the fetus.

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Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.
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