Why does pulmonary hypertension lead to right heart failure?

In general, pulmonary hypertension leads to a persistent increase in pressure, resulting in severe pulmonary hypertension and eventually causing heart failure. When pulmonary arterial pressure rises further, the pressure in the right ventricle also increases, leading to right ventricular enlargement and subsequently triggering right heart failure. Factors that may cause pulmonary hypertension include chronic hypoxia, vascular lesions, hereditary pulmonary hypertension, parenchymal lung diseases, and cardiac diseases. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Chronic Hypoxia

Chronic hypoxia due to lung conditions or environmental factors—such as living at high altitudes for prolonged periods—can lead to pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, narrowing or blockage of pulmonary blood vessels caused by intrinsic vascular disease, most commonly chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, can also contribute. Treatment with non-invasive ventilation at a hospital is required.

2. Vascular Lesions

These include intravascular thrombosis, thickening of the vessel walls, and luminal narrowing. Medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets and clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets should be used under medical supervision.

3. Heritable Pulmonary Hypertension

Hereditary pulmonary hypertension, connective tissue diseases (e.g., scleroderma), inherited heart diseases, portal hypertension, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or vasoconstrictive drugs may all contribute. Under medical guidance, medications such as digoxin tablets and warfarin sodium tablets can be used to help improve symptoms.

4. Parenchymal Lung Disease

Conditions such as emphysema can alter lung structure, reduce capillary surface area in alveoli, and elevate pulmonary artery pressure. Interstitial lung diseases causing pulmonary fibrosis can damage the pulmonary vascular bed and lead to pulmonary hypertension. Sleep apnea and high-altitude hypoxia can induce pulmonary vasoconstriction, which is another contributing factor. Antibiotics such as moxifloxacin hydrochloride tablets or amoxicillin capsules may be prescribed according to medical advice.

5. Cardiac Diseases

Cardiac conditions such as right-to-left shunts, valvular diseases, and left heart failure can also cause pulmonary hypertension. Surgical intervention is recommended under medical guidance.

Patients are advised to get adequate rest during treatment and consume a diet rich in high-protein foods to enhance their immune resistance.