People suffering from PPH experience several different symptoms. Being short breathed, also known as dyspnea, feelings of fatigue, continuous pain felt in the chest area, and dizziness are just a few of the minor symptoms a person with the disease may experience.

When a person develops it, his or her blood pressure will dramatically rise in the pulmonary arteries. The specific action of the pulmonary arteries blood pressure rising is called hypertension. To simplify the definition into non-medical terms, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is dangerously high blood pressure in the lungs. Typically, low oxygenated blood is brought from the right ventricle of the heart through the pulmonary arteries. Afterwards the hearts right side will pump the low oxygenated blood into both sides of the lungs. This is how the body receives much-needed oxygen. Following voyage through the right side of the heart and then to the left side, the blood is able to travel through the aorta to the rest of the body.

However, with someone suffering from Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, the body works inappropriately. The lungs very small blood vessels transform and then seal. When this occurs, the closed blood vessels prevent the flow of blood, thus causing the pressure in the pulmonary artery to increase about three times. Since PPH is such a harmful and often deadly disease, the typical rate of survival after being diagnosed is generally less then thirty-six months. Uncommon in most cases of it, early detection and early treatment can prolong the three year average up to ten years.

Cured of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension:

Like many other deadly diseases, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension has no known cure. However, one does not have to live in discomfort and a fear of the disease consuming them. Medications and treatments are available to help ease the unpleasant symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Although some do not see the purpose of a medicine without a cure, many people give thanks that they are able to continue their lives in an orderly manner.

There are many different ways in which Primary Pulmonary Hypertension patients may receive treatment. They may receive oxygen, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers. Each treatment is different and each treatment should be considered. Although there are many conventional ways to ease the symptoms of PPH, there also a few forms of treatment that have not yet been approved by the Federal Drug Administration.

The simple procedure of administering oxygen to a PPH patient can be very beneficial in relieving difficulties in breathing. In addition to relieving strenuous breathing, administering oxygen also helps to relax the lungs artery muscles. Another advantage to receiving oxygen is that the pressure in the lungs will decrease to a reasonable level. When an excessive amount of fluid builds up around the heart, PPH patients receive diuretics. When patients receive diuretics, the doctors must be extremely careful. The reason such precaution must be taken is, the patient must not get entirely dehydrated. With an already poorly functioning ventricle system, dehydration can cause the blood to stop being pumped to the lungs.

Another method of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension treatment is through calcium channel blockers. An example of this would be nifedipine, a muscle relaxant. Nifedipine specifically relaxes the muscles that are found in the walls of blood vessels. Even though this form of treatment appears quite pleasant, it often is not. Although the right side of the heart is able to function more efficiently, the blood pressure may be decreased throughout the entire cardiovascular system. Thus, it may create somewhat of an unpleasant situation for the PPH patient. A couple forms of treatment still in the experimental phase include the inhalation of Nitric Oxide and the use of prostacycline. The purpose of inhaling nitric oxide is to relax the lung’s blood vessels. When inhaling the nitric oxygen, the rest of the body does not feel the effects.

Originally posted 2010-01-20 11:33:53. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Among the health related concerns are retinopathy, nephropathy, stroke, and coronary heart disease. The risk of CVD increases in individuals that have diabetes and hypertension to about 75%. This is considered to be a a contributing factor to the mortality rate.

Typically, in individuals with both diabetes and hypertension will also have risks that can become even higher because of other health factors. Such as, central obesity, inflammation of the left ventricular hypertrophy, dyslipidaemia, microalbuminuria, insulin resistance and hyper coagulation. Any of these factors can increase the possibility of developing CVD.

Interestingly, a published study has revealed that many individuals that have sought medical attention in connection with their type 2 diabetes and hypertension do not receive adequate treatment.

This is especially true in those patients that have repeatedly had elevated blood pressure readings. For the most part, the medication is not modified to meet the needs of the hypertension and the diabetes.

In many cases, a person with diabetes and hypertension will need to take more than one medicine to control the condition. Generally, they will have to take about three different medications in order to gain control over the blood pressure. It is also possible that the doctor will have to change the prescriptions a few times in order to find the right combination for the individual with the least side effects.

Some studies have revealed benefits of using ACE inhibitors in diabetic patients with hypertension as well. This makes using the ACE inhibitors the best course of treatment in many situations. However, your medical care provider will have to determine the best treatment for you. Each case is different and they have varying factors that should be considered by the physician prior to beginning treatment.

A doctor will consider the age of the individual, the severity of their circumstances, their overall health and existing medications before the determination can be made.

It is important that you reveal any relevant medical history to the doctor. This should include allergies to medication. If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment your doctor suggests for you for diabetes and hypertension treatment you should further discuss your options.

It is important also that you know what to look for as far as side effects and complications so you can immediately notify your doctor if you notice you are beginning to suffer from any of them.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading and avid researcher of various high blood pressure treatments. He runs a content-packed website that provides free tips to lower your hypertension and unbiased reviews on common blood pressure medications. Grab your FREE report on how to lower blood pressure naturally and visit his site at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

Originally posted 2010-01-06 08:28:32. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Hypertension is more rife in men than in women. Hypertensive encephalopathy mostly occurs in middle-aged individuals who have a long-standing history of hypertension. The hallmark of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. Depending on the type and severity of encephalopathy, common neurological symptoms are progressive loss of memory and cognitive ability, subtle personality changes, inability to concentrate, lethargy, and progressive loss of consciousness. Other neurological symptoms may include myoclonus , nystagmus , tremor, muscle atrophy and weakness, dementia, seizures, and loss of ability to swallow or speak.

Treatment is symptomatic and varies, according to the type and severity of the encephalopathy. Pharmacologic agents selected for use in hypertensive encephalopathy should have few or no CNS adverse effects. Avoid agents such as clonidine, reserpine, and methyldopa. Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to reduce or halt any seizures. Changes to diet and nutritional supplements may help some patients. Nitroprusside is frequently used as initial therapy because of its rapid onset and short duration of action. Nitroglycerin has been used to provide a rapid reduction in blood pressure complicating myocardial ischemia.

Hypertensive Encephalopathy Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Dialysis or organ replacement surgery may be needed.

2. Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to reduce or halt any seizures.

3. Changes to diet and nutritional supplements may help some patients.

4. Nitroprusside is frequently used as initial therapy

5. Avoid agents such as clonidine, reserpine, and methyldopa.

6. Hydralazine has a limited role owing to reflex tachycardia,

7. Trimethaphan camsylate is used to reduce the shearing force in the presence of aortic dissection.

Originally posted 2009-12-23 11:39:01. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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The biochemicals of valerian are similar to the modern tranquilizers and mood elevators being prescribed by doctors in the treatment of anxiety and stress. Based on results of medical studies conducted on humans and animals, it has found great support in its use as treatment for high blood pressure.

As far as herb dosages are concerned, the absence of standard medications poses some problems since its contents may vary with the way it is prepared. Nevertheless, the suggested daily use of the valerian plant material should not exceed; for standardized extract – 30 to 400 mg; tincture – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon; 300 to 500 mg in capsule or tablet forms and 1 to 2 cups if taken as tea. Further, in its preparation as tea,it is suggested that the pot be kept covered to prevent the oils from escaping.

As an herbal medicine, there are no prescribed regulations in its manufacture; hence, the presence of contaminants or other counter-interacting drugs is possible.

Although the utilization of valerian has scientific support, it can cause excessive urination and should not be used by pregnant women, by persons operating machines, and people under the medication of antidepressant drugs.

Regardless of the scientific support, the use of valerian has no evaluation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as to its effectiveness, safety, and purity.

The most common side effects are difficulty in breathing, excitability, headache, sleeplessness, recklessness, dilated pupils, and irregular heartbeats. In case any of these symptoms are experienced while taking valerian, the user is advised to discontinue with its use and seek medical intervention.

On the other hand, valerian roots have no side effects considered as common among synthetic sedative drugs, such as addiction and morning sickness or hangovers. Some medical practitioners even prescribe valerian roots to ease the symptoms of withdrawal from sedative drugs; usually it is recommended to be taken on a daily basis to be effective as opposed to ?when needed? basis.

Today, valerian is primarily prescribed in treating people with sleeping problems or insomnia, anxiety syndromes, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps or intestinal cramping.

As an herbal medicine, consulting an herbalist physician as a precautionary measure should be observed before taking valerian, especially if making a transition from the use of a current sedative drug. In addition, you should first seek your doctor?s approval, in case you are considering valerian roots as your treatment for high blood pressure.

Originally posted 2009-11-09 14:37:44. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Hypertension, referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated. It was previously referred to as nonarterial hypertension[citation needed], but in current usage, the word “hypertension”[citation needed] without a qualifier normally refers to arterial hypertension.

Hypertension: Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is that you may not know that you have it. There are generally no symptoms of high blood pressure, so you usually don’t feel it. In fact, nearly one-third of people who have hypertension don’t know it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. This is especially important if you have a close relative who has high blood pressure.

Causes of Hypertension

Race. African-Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than their Caucasian counterparts.

Gender. Men run a greater overall risk for developing high blood pressure than women do. However, women who are postmenopausal, especially if 20 pounds or more overweight, are at risk for developing high blood pressure.

Primary, or essential, high blood pressure accounts for 95% of all cases of hypertension.3Secondary high blood pressure, which is caused by another disease or medicine, is less common.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Mitral stenosis

Mitral regurgitation

The other major type of hypertension, termed Secondary Hypertension, has an identifiable cause. It is due to disease. For example, kidney (renal) hypertension is due to high blood pressure within the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. The underlying cause is kidney disease or conditions like atherosclerosis, which narrow or block the renal arteries. Secondary hypertension may also result from hormonal imbalances, particularly in the kidney’s adrenal glands.

Experts believed that this system evolved millions of years ago to protect early humans during drought or stress by retaining salt and water and narrowing blood vessels to ensure adequate blood flow and repair injured tissue. With industrialization, however, this system wreaks havoc on modern humans by intensifying the effects of high-salt diets and sedentary lifestyle. Of particular importance in these harmful responses are the hormone aldosterone and a peptide (which are components of proteins) called angiotensin II.

Treatment of Hypertension

The goal of treatment is to reduce blood pressure so that you have a lower risk of complications.

There are many different medicines that can be used to treat high blood pressure. Such medicines include:

Alpha blockers

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

Calcium channel blockers

Beta blockers. These medications reduce the workload on your heart, causing your heart to beat slower and with less force. When prescribed alone, beta blockers don’t work as well in blacks — but they’re effective when combined with a thiazide diuretic.

Originally posted 2009-11-02 19:50:27. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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In fact, most of those who were diagnosed did not visit their doctors to find cure or treatment for high blood pressure, but merely to acquire medical certification for a clean bill of health for insurance or employment purposes.

In some other cases, they may have submitted themselves to treat the symptoms of other disorders like heart attack, kidney failure, or other problems related to high blood pressure.

Essential Hypertension and Secondary hypertension

High blood pressure can be an offshoot of another major problem. If the proper treatment methods of the main disease had been observed, blood pressure could have been prevented as a resulting complication. Based on statistics, less than 10% of diagnosed high blood pressure stem from another disorder and this is known as secondary hypertension.

On the other hand, the common form of hypertension we usually encounter is called essential hypertension. It is often the result of several factors such as heredity, lack of exercises, stress, excessive weight, or poor diet.

Except for heredity, the other causes are diet related wherein the excessive intakes of salt resulting to imbalance between sodium and potassium is the most common contributing factor.

Originally posted 2009-12-18 14:08:34. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Hypertension does not in itself give dramatic symptoms, but it is dangerous because it causes a highly increased risk for heart infarction, stroke and renal failure.

THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION

One out of six persons is hypertensive. Most persons suffering from hypertension is over the age of 35. Still 6% of teenagers are hypertensive and also 1% of every child.

THE SYMPTOMS AND CONSEQUENCES OF HYPERTENSION

Hypertension is often without symptoms. By mild hypertension, flushing and headache can occur.
More serious hypertension gives symptoms like: Fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and nosebleeds.

Extreme hypertension gives morning headache, blurred vision, dyspnoea (breathing difficulties) and elevated values of certain components in the blood, like urea and serum creatinine.

Hypertension will in the long run hurt the blood vessels, and serious hypertension can do extensive damage to the blood vessels in a few months or years.

The damaged blood vessels will impair the blood flow. They can also rupture causing a bleeding or be clogged by a blood clot that shuts out the blood flow and causes tissue damage. These things can occur in the brain, causing a stroke, in the heart causing heart infarction or in the kidneys with renal failure as a consequence.

A renal failure will in the next turn cause the hypertension to aggarvate, partly because a damaged kidney will not manage to secrete water and salt well enough, and partly because a kidney that do not get enough blood will start a hormonal mechanism that induces the kidney to actively hold back salt and water.

THE MECHANISMS AND CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION

The direct mechanisms causing hypertension is one or more of these factors:
- An increased tension in the blood vessel walls.
- An increased blood volume caused by elevated levels of salt and lipids in the blood holding back water.
- Hardened and inelastic blood vessels caused by arteriosclerosis.

The primary causes behind these mechanisms are not fully understood, but these factors contribute to causing hypertension:
- A high consume of salt
- A high fat consume.
- Stress at work and in the daily life.
- Smoking.
- Over-weight
- Lack of exercise.
- Kidney failure.

LIFESTYLE MEASURES TO PREVENT AND TREAT HYPERTENSION

Lifestyle measures shall always be a component of the hypertension treatment. Sometimes such measures are enough to cure the condition. Those measures are:
- Reducing salt consume.
- Reduction of the consume of fat, and especially saturated fat.
- Weight reduction.
- Relaxing and stress reduction techiques, for example meditation and autogenic training.
- Regular exercise.

SPECIAL FOOD TYPES THAT REDUCE THE BLOOD PRESSURE

Research projects suggest that the following food types reduce blood pressure.

Fish oil and fat fish. The working substances seem to be the omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The effect from fish oil seems to cease when the fish oil supplements are stopped.
-Olive oil, especially olive oil of the quality extra virgin.

NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP AGAINST HYPERTENSION

Natural supplements to treat hypertension exist. These supplements reduce blood pressure by lowering the cholesterol and lipid content in the blood, by preventing oxidation of tissue components by free radicals, and by helping damaged blood vessels to heal. Examples of ingredients having these effects are vitamin B3, inositol, turmenic extract and gum guggul extract.

They may also contain Ingredients giving a direct anti-hypertensive effect, like potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and fatty acids from marine sources.

MEDICAL TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION

When lifestyle measures and supplements are not enough to cure the condition, medical treatment must be applied.

Diuretics, or medicines to increase the urine production, are used to decrease the water content in the blood vessels, and thereby reduce the pressure in the vessels. When the water content is lowered, the heart does not need to pump so hard any more, and this will also reduce the pressure.

Beta-adrenergic blockers are another group of medicines to treat hypertension. This group of medicines block the signals that hormones and neurotransmitters give to the vessel walls, and the vessel walls then relax. They also slow down the heart rate to give a lower pressure exerted by the heart upon the blood.

Originally posted 2009-11-04 09:28:19. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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The term primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), although it’s now being used less in the medical realm in favor of the term idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, is still a term used readily in literature as well as in the general public, and refers to pulmonary hypertension that has an unknown or unverified cause.

PPH has many possible causes, but because the term primary pulmonary hypertension was coined due to the fact that its cause is unknown, specific causes are difficult to pinpoint. Causes of the different types of pulmonary hypertension in general can include left heart failure, congenital heart disease, lung diseases, HIV and other autoimmune disorders, pulmonary embolism, and genetics.

One of the biggest suspected causes of primary pulmonary hypertension is the use of certain anti-obesity and weight-loss pills, such as Fen-Phen, which the FDA took off the market in September 1997 after reports linked it to pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.

If you have primary pulmonary hypertension, you’ll want to consider an effective PPH treatment. One of the most popular and beneficial PPH treatments is an FDA-approved drug called Tracleer. Why is this treatment so beneficial? Tracleer treatment, produced by Patheon Inc. and marketed by Actelion Pharmaceuticals, is a vasodilator drug in tablet form that is taken orally in order to help block the effects of endothelin, a vasoconstrictor naturally found in the body to shrink blood vessels, but is found in much higher concentrations in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.

In addition, PPH treatment using this helps to relax the lung’s blood vessels as well as increase the level of oxygen in the blood. For patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, what this means in a practical sense is that they are able to perform regular activities at an improved level, without becoming fatigued, dizzy, or short of breath right away, and they are able to tolerate exercise more.

However, like all drugs, including others used for PPH treatment, it does have a number of side-effects that patients taking it or considering its use should become aware of. Some of the more common side-effects associated with this treatment include headaches, nasal congestion, flushing out, passing out, and even abnormally low blood pressure.

The most serious possible side-effect associated with this treatment, however, involves the liver. Tracleer can actually impair normal liver function, and even cause liver damage, which may or may not be permanent in nature. As a result, patients with primary pulmonary hypertension on this treatment require monthly blood tests of the liver’s function.

In addition to side-effects, Tracleer treatment also has one major contraindication: pregnant women or women who may be or are trying to become pregnant must not take it, as this particularly form of PPH treatment has been proven to be teratogenic (known to harm a fetus, cause birth defects, or miscarriage).

Therefore, in addition to monthly liver blood tests, female patients on it must take monthly pregnancy tests in case pregnancy occurs, at which point it must be stopped immediately. Further, if you’re a female on Tracleer treatment and you’re using a hormonal method of birth control, you will also have to supplement with a barrier method (like condoms) because it has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, patches, rings, injections, and implants.

While this treatment often has more side-effects and potential complications than other types of PPH treatment, such as Flolan and Remodulin (two of the other most common types of PPH treatment), it is the preferred type for many because of its convenience in that it can be taken orally.

Patients with primary pulmonary hypertension may wish to talk to their doctors about different types of PPH treatment, including Tracleer treatment. It is available by prescription only and should only be taken under a doctor’s advice and directions.

If you have pulmonary hypertension with an unknown cause, and you believe you may have developed primary pulmonary hypertension because of your use of the anti-obesity, weight-loss pill Fen-Phen, then in addition to asking your doctor about Tracleer treatment, it is recommended you seek the legal counsel from a reputable law firm or PPH attorney specializing in Fen-Phen litigation cases. You may qualify for compensation.

Originally posted 2009-11-11 14:23:38. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Cause and Pathogenesis

The cause of primary (essential) hypertension is not known. It is thought to be due to multiple risk factors. Known risk factors include a familial history of the disease, race, obesity, tobacco smoking, stress, and a high-fat or high-sodium diet in genetically susceptible individuals. Extremely nervous and highly emotional people also tend to develop hypertension more readily. Secondary hypertension is related to an underlying disease process such as renal parenchymal disorders , renal artery disease, endocrine and metabolic disorders, central nervous system disorders, and narrowing of the aorta (coarctation).

Causes Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension results from constriction, or tightening, of the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Consequently, it becomes difficult for blood to pass through the lungs, making it harder for the heart to pump blood forward. This stress on the heart leads to enlargement of the heart and eventually fluid can build up in the liver and tissues, such as the in the legs. Affected patients can sometimes notice increasing shortness of breath and dizziness.

What are the symptoms of Hypertension?

If you have hypertension, chances are that you may not have any symptoms at all. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because most people who have it do not feel sick, but if left uncontrolled, it can lead to a heart attack or kidney disease. This is why it is so important to treat hypertension even if you feel fine. Many people can keep their hypertension under control by making some changes in their daily activities, such as increasing exercise and eating a healthier diet. Other people may need to take medicine in addition to diet and/or exercise.

Hypertension Treatment

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is dangerous because it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower high blood pressure and protect important organs, like the brain, heart, and kidneys from damage. Treatment for hypertension has been associated with reductions in stroke (reduced an average of 35%-40%), heart attack (20%-25%), and heart failure (more than 50%), according to research.

Treating high blood pressure can help prevent serious ? even life-threatening ? complications. Your doctor also may suggest steps to control conditions that can contribute to high blood pressure, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

The treatment for secondary pulmonary hypertension usually begins with treating the underlying cause. For instance, if a blood clot, or pulmonary embolism, is causing the hypertension, the clot may need to be surgically removed.

For individuals with hypertension, lifestyle modifications as mentioned above are important but many times, medications will also be needed to adequately manage blood pressure. Many types of drugs are used to lower blood pressure.

Originally posted 2009-11-05 12:21:04. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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If you have been diagnosed with PPH as a result of Fen-Phen use, you have several options available for treatment depending on how far advanced your disease is and how healthy you are in other respects. Other considerations such as allergies are also an important factor in determining whether you will be treated with Flolan or another similar drug.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is caused by increased blood pressure in the lungs, which in turn has a variety of causes, one of which is known to be prolonged use of the diet drug Fen-Phen. The high blood pressure in the lungs puts extra strain on the heart of the affected individual, and causes shortness of breath, fatigue, fainting, dizziness, and cyanosis (a blue tinge to the skin of the feet, hands, and lips).

Drugs used for PPH treatment are, therefore, typically targeted to expanding lung blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the lungs in order to ease the strain on the heart and provide relief from the symptoms of the disease.

Determining which of these drugs is the best to use for PPH treatment can be a lengthy process. Individual reactions to each drug can vary quite widely, so a patient may have to try several different treatment options before an effective long-term treatment can be established.

Approximately 25% of patients can be treated effectively with oral medication using drugs called calcium channel blockers; however for those that do not respond to this medication, stronger oral medications or intravenously-administered drugs such as Flolan are needed to treat PPH effectively.

While Flolan is an effective medication for the treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, it does have some disadvantages. Flolan is administered intravenously directly into the patient’s bloodstream, via a catheter which must be surgically implanted into a chest vein.

Once the drug is injected, it functions for only five minutes in the body, and this means that a patient being treated with Flolan must be continually injected with new doses of the drug (via the catheter) to maintain an optimum level of treatment. People receiving Flolan treatment wear a small battery-operated pump which injects Flolan into the catheter at a pre-determined rate.

All of this means that for people who have had and would like to maintain a very active lifestyle, Flolan may not be the best choice for PPH treatment. The preparation that is injected must be prepared daily, as the drug has a very short life-span, and the pump must be kept cold with mini ice packs if the supply of the drug is to last longer than eight hours without being renewed.

The pump itself can also interfere with daily life. Certain sporting activities, such as swimming and other water sports are made more difficult, and high impact activities such as contact sports are not recommended due to the possibility of the pump or catheter being displaced. The effects of sudden withdrawal of Flolan treatment, even if for a short time only, can be quite severe, and may cause breathing difficulties as well as dizziness and weakness.

Despite its disadvantages, Flolan treatment has some advantages when compared to treatment with other medications such as Tracleer. The side effects of Flolan are typically less severe than those of some other medications used for PPH treatment, particularly for long-term use. Tracleer, for example, can cause liver damage and is known to be harmful to unborn babies.

Flolan can improve the quality of life for people with PPH quite dramatically, and can improve the long term prognosis for the disease as well as enabling individuals to achieve a normal level of physical fitness and activity. Flolan treatment is also known to slow down the progress of scarring in lung tissue caused by Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, and it is now viewed as an effective alternative to lung transplantation (which was once used as a last resort for PPH treatment and carries its own set of risks).

One final advantage of Flolan treatment is one of cost. Flolan is currently considered a PPH treatment rather than a prescription medication. For this reason, Flolan treatment is usually fully covered by Medicare and health insurance, as long as approval is gained before treatment begins.

Originally posted 2009-11-18 11:36:03. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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