What is pulmonary hypertension? New study finds Covid infection can increase risk
Getting Covid could increase your risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, a deadly blood pressure condition.In a new study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that people who contracted Covid-19 were more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) up to 4.5 years after infection.In OSA patients, the upper airway partially or completely closes during sleep, blocking airflow to the lungs and causing breathing to repeatedly start and stop.The study also found that patients who developed post-Covid OSA were more likely to experience heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.Here’s everything you need to know about the serious condition.Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a type of high blood pressure that primarily affects the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs.Over time, this elevated blood pressure damages the pulmonary arteries, narrowing the space where blood can flow.
As a result, the right ventricle must work overtime to pump blood through those arteries and into the lungs.This extra effort weakens the heart and enlarges the right ventricle, which can lead to right-sided heart failure.PH is a progressive disease, and without treatment, it can be fatal.Experts estimate that PH affects about 1 in 100 worldwide.
While it’s most common among people over age 65, it can affect anyone, including newborns, children, and younger adults.A family history of pulmonary hypertension and/or blood-clotting disorders increases the risk.Smoking, excess weight, asbestos exposure, congenital heart defects such as Eisenmenger syndrome, illicit stimulants, and living at a high altitude can also increase the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension.Pulmonary hypertension symptoms develop slowly over the course of months or years and include:Because these symptoms can be caused by lots of health conditions, seeking medical care is needed to get an accurate diagnosis.Potential complications include heart enlargement and failure, ar...