Course of disease and consequences of pulmonary hypertension
At the beginning of the disease there is usually a slightly elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation. Due to this elevated blood pressure, the right half of the heart has to provide a greater pumping action. This usually trains the heart muscles first, causing them to thicken and become stronger.
The effect is comparable to a muscle that is trained by strength training. Over time, however, pulmonary hypertension increases, so that the heart has to perform at an ever greater rate. At a certain point, even the trained heart muscles can no longer muster the necessary strength, and the blood can no longer be transported completely from the heart to the lungs.
The result is a blood congestion in the right half of the heart, the right ventricle and the right atrium become enlarged. The change in the structure of the heart leads to cardiac arrhythmia. In addition, the blood backs up in the body, which leads to increased water retention. While complaints such as shortness of breath and dizziness only occur at the beginning during heavy physical exertion, they become more frequent over time. The heart is less and less capable of pumping the additional power required during physical activity.
What kind of sports can be done with pulmonary hypertension?
The final stage of pulmonary hypertension is mainly characterized by right heart failure, i.e. weakness of the right side of the heart. The right half of the heart has to permanently pump against the high blood pressure in the lungs. However, if the heart can no longer apply the necessary pressure, the right ventricle and the right atrium in the heart become enlarged.
This leads to cardiac arrhythmia, which often causes fainting spells and dizziness. The congestion of blood in the right heart leads to increased water retention, especially in the legs. In addition, the shortness of breath is already noticeable with the slightest physical exertion or at rest.
