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Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Blood
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PPH is an acronym used for primary pulmonary hypertension, a dangerous medical condition. PPH is characterized by an increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary artery or lung vasculature. The condition may lead to a more serious disease, sometimes resulting in death.
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Scientists do not know what exactly causes Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Some researchers believe the blood vessels are particularly sensitive to certain internal or external factors, and constrict, or narrow, when exposed to these factors. There may be a genetic factor, an immune system factor, or sensitivity to drugs or other chemicals.
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Low oxygen in the atmosphere causes low blood oxygen levels and aggravates pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, patients with pulmonary hypertension may benefit from breathing supplemental oxygen, even temporarily during air travel or traveling to high altitude destinations.
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Some people with PPH treated with vasodilators may become worse if the vasodilators lower their "regular" blood pressure more than their pulmonary blood pressure. Chronic infusion of prostacyclin, a potent pulmonary vasodilator, may ... improve outcome. Supplemental oxygen may be required.
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