Heparin Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

The Complication and disorders associated with Pulmonary Hypertension can lead to fatal consequences in most of the patients afflicted by this progressive lung disorder. Though there is no real reason for despair. The critical situation with pulmonary Hypertension may be grave but a variety of treatments are now available, aiming at prevention or even curing of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension-related Complications.

A serious Complication of Pulmonary Hypertension may be blood clots. Blood clot formation in the vessels where there is no need for it can turn fatal. If there are blood clots in the small arteries of the lungs then this condition can pose a threat by disturbing the already narrowed or blocked blood vessels, thereby terminating normal blood circulation to the lungs. This undesirable blood clotting or coagulation of blood can be remedied by the use of anti-coagulants. The thing must be remembered that the anti-coagulant or heparin have their own risks and benefits, which need to be carefully considered by a doctor prior to administration.



The heparin induced pulmonary hypertension, a rare and life-threatening disease that increases blood pressure in the lungs and damages heart valves, can be treated through a variety of methods, including medication, lifestyle changes, and lung and heart transplants. Often the condition results from the use of diet drugs such as Fen-phen. This ailment, the heparin induced Pulmonary Hypertension Unfortunately, is not yet curable and has a poor prognosis. Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include difficulty in breathing, fainting, dizziness, fatigue, swelling in the ankles or legs, blue discoloration of the lips, and chest pain. Some medications are there, such as anticoagulants, can help control the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life for those who are afflicted with PPH.

Anticoagulants like heparin work in the body by preventing the coagulation of blood. The anti-coagulant drugs can either prevent new blood clots from forming or an existing clot from increasing in size. Anticoagulants or heparin do not dissolve clots already in existence. By reducing the intensity of blood coagulation, this type of medication lessens the strain on the heart from primary pulmonary hypertension, making it easier to pump blood through the pulmonary artery. Several studies on this ailment revealed that patient survival rate is increased when treatment with anticoagulants occurs.

Heparin and Warfarin are two most common example of anticoagulants used today. Heparin is a natural biological substance derived from the intestines of pigs. It works by turning on antithrombin III which stops thrombin from clotting blood inside the system. The other most commonly used anticoagulant, Warfarin, works by inhibiting the vitamin K dependant synthesis of active forms of various calcium clotting factors. Dosage of these kinds of anti-coagulant drugs is tricky because they frequently interact with many commonly prescribed medications. Even diet drugs high in vitamin K will change the effects of Warfarin, making the drug less efficient. Side effects of these anticoagulants such as Warfarin include hemorrhages, Warfarin necrosis, osteoporosis, and purple toe syndrome. In addition to anti-coagulant medication, other drugs can be used to ease the symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension. Calcium channel blockers and vasodilators are also sometimes used effectively in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

• Matt Thompson
• 25/01/2009, 2:59 PM
• 0 Comments