# What is pulmonary hypertension and what are its main types? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-huwa-irtifa-daght-al-dam-al-riawi-wa-ma-hiya-anwaouh-al-raisiyah Language: en Category: cardiology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.894Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.894Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-huwa-irtifa-daght-al-dam-al-riawi-wa-ma-hiya-anwaouh-al-raisiyah Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious medical condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. When these arteries become damaged, narrowed, or blocked, blood cannot flow through them efficiently, leading to increased pressure. This elevated pressure forces the heart to work harder to pump blood to the lungs, which can eventually damage the heart muscle and cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness [\[1\]](). ## Types of Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension can develop on its own or as a complication of other medical conditions. PH is classified into five main groups based on the underlying cause, which helps determine the appropriate treatment plan: - **Group 1: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)**: This type occurs when the small blood vessels in the lungs narrow and stiffen, making it difficult for blood to flow. In more than 50% of PAH cases worldwide, the cause is unknown [\[3\]](). - **Group 2: Pulmonary Hypertension caused by Left Heart Disease**: This is the most common type in the United States and results from conditions such as left-sided heart failure [\[3\]](). - **Group 3: Pulmonary Hypertension caused by Lung Disease and/or Hypoxia**: This includes conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, and sleep apnea [\[1\]](). - **Group 4: Pulmonary Hypertension caused by Pulmonary Artery Obstructions**: This includes Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH), which results from chronic blood clots in the lungs [\[3\]](). - **Group 5: Pulmonary Hypertension with Unclear or Multifactorial Mechanisms**: This type includes cases that cannot be classified within the first four groups or those that have complex, multiple causes [\[3\]](). ## Causes and Risk Factors Pulmonary hypertension can arise from various factors, including congenital heart disease, lung diseases such as emphysema, certain liver diseases, sickle cell anemia, and blood clots in the lungs. Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, such as advanced age (especially between 30 and 60), exposure to asbestos, certain parasitic infections, a family history of the disease or blood clots, smoking, and the use of illicit drugs. Additionally, some medications used to treat cancer and depression may increase the risk [\[1\]](). It has also been observed that pulmonary hypertension is more common in women than in men [\[1\]](). ## Symptoms and Complications Recognizing the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension can be difficult because they often overlap with other medical conditions, and diagnosis may take years. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, dizziness that may lead to fainting, fatigue, swelling in the abdomen, legs, or feet, and heart palpitations [\[1\]](). If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor to evaluate your condition. The condition can worsen over time, leading to serious complications such as anemia, heart rhythm disorders, blood clots in the pulmonary arteries, bleeding in the lungs, heart failure, liver damage, and fluid buildup around the heart [\[1\]](). ## Diagnosis and Treatment Steps To diagnose pulmonary hypertension, a healthcare provider will review your medical history and symptoms, and perform a physical exam, which includes measuring blood oxygen levels and listening to the heart and lungs. The doctor may also order tests such as blood tests, heart and lung imaging tests (such as a cardiac MRI and chest X-ray), and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) [\[1\]](). Often, there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment depends on the cause and may include lifestyle changes (such as a healthy, low-salt diet and physical activity), medications (such as blood thinners, drugs to regulate heart pumping, vasodilators, and diuretics to reduce swelling), oxygen therapy, and procedures to reduce pressure in the heart or pulmonary artery. In severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary [\[1\]](). For more information about symptoms, diagnosis, and the latest treatments, you can visit [Pulmonary Hypertension: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Latest Treatments (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Pulmonary Hypertension]() - [Pulmonary Hypertension What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-huwa-irtifa-daght-al-dam-al-riawi-wa-ma-hiya-anwaouh-al-raisiyah#answer