can a blocked artery cause shortness of breath can a blocked artery cause shortness of breath

The warning signs of clogged arteries. Age, genetics, other health conditions and lifestyle choices can affect the health of the heart arteries. (8). For example, if you have a blockage in an artery that feeds your brain, you may also need to see a neurologist. If your dizziness is accompanied by a loss of balance and frequent falling, then plaque buildup could be to blame. One risk factor may trigger another. Pulmonary hypertension. Tightness in the chest can be caused by multiple issues. People with circulatory problems like PAD are at greater risk of strokes that happen when the brain doesnt get enough oxygen-rich blood. Journal of primary care & community health. Angioplasty can improve symptoms of blocked arteries, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Shortness of breath The rubble and boulders are blockages that can lead to problems shown through symptoms.Blocked tunnels arent good for traffic flow, and blocked arteries arent good for your heart.In cardiology, the boulder is called a Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO). If you feel like your chest. What happens if you have a blocked artery? No one likes the sensation of dizziness. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., talks about the risk factors, symptoms and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Pulmonary hypertension High blood pressure in the heart-to-lung system. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.04.016. Published August 2014. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Symptoms that can signal a medical emergency include: Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you or someone you are with has any of these symptoms. A complete blockage of blood flow can cause a heart attack. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. The buildup is called plaque. Learn how lifestyle changes can lower your risk. Blood pressure measurements are the least invasive, but ultrasound, imaging studies, and cardiac catheterization can give your healthcare team more precise information. The symptoms of clogged arteries depend on where the blockage occurs and which body part is affected. Using sonic waves to break up plaque in the arteries. What is coronary artery disease? More noticeable symptoms of CAD include shortness of breath and chest pain. Smoking or having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity or a strong family history of heart disease makes you more likely to get coronary artery disease. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Clogged Arteries: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. 10-year follow-up after revascularization in elderly patients with complex coronary artery disease. Allscripts EPSi. updated July 4, 2021, 6:44 am https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/checked.htm. Effects of flaxseed on blood lipids in healthy and dyslipidemic subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cutlip D, et al. Gelzinis TA. You may associate your discomfort with a bad mattress, but you should pay close attention if that pain is coming from your low back. When the arteries to the heart become significantly blocked, people can experience chest pain as a symptom because the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen to carry out its function. Cleveland Clinic reportsperipheral artery disease, the same condition that can give you pain in your extremities, can also make your feet cold. Not getting enough exercise (sedentary lifestyle). Ashraf H, et al. March 8, 2022. The chronic type of mesenteric artery ischemia has a more gradual onset. In one form of pulmonary hypertension, called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), blood vessels in the lungs are narrowed, blocked or destroyed. Natural Medicines. Riaz H, et al. Overview of the possible risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A Mayo Clinic cardiologist explains. Health explainsa heaviness in your chest that affects your ability to breathe can mean theres a problem with your arteries. Other possible risk factors for coronary artery disease may include: The same lifestyle habits used to help treat coronary artery disease can also help prevent it. This occurs in 15% to 20% of patients who have heart disease. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. (2) 2. include protected health information. Individuals with heart disease can often experience a feeling of profuse sweating (diaphoresis) that seems to be out of the ordinary. Syncope, (5) or the temporary loss of consciousness, is usually related to a lack of blood flow to the brain. A Qualitative Study of Symptom Experiences of Women With Acute Coronary Syndrome. You may also have pain or discomfort in your jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, or back. International journal of preventive medicine. WebMD explainsblood flows easily through the body in someone with healthy arteries but in someone with clogged ones, this isnt the case. Chest Pain, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk, and Cardiology Referral in Primary Care. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Accessed March 24, 2022. Causes of high cholesterol. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Find a Location, Appointment Pulmonary hypertension in 2021: Part Idefinition, classification, pathophysiology, and presentation. Symptoms of blocked or clogged arteries can include: Fatigue Dizziness Shortness of breath Chest pain Lower back pain Cold hands or feet Pain or numbness in legs, hands, or feet Discoloration of the skin in the affected area Hair loss Decreased or absent pulses, especially in the feet Sores or ulcers that do not heal In all, about 650,000 Americans will die from coronary artery disease this year. Coronary artery disease. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The pain is reported to be an aching, throbbing, and/or burning pain that goes away soon after resting for a while. Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. at UT Southwestern Medical Center at RedBird, 3450 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, Texas 75237. https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/. Ferri FF. Chest. Oxygen-carrying blood (red blood) mixes with oxygen-poor blood (blue blood). This can lead to those same symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath.If you have these symptoms, a stress test can help determine if they are caused by a blockage in an artery or something else. Clogged arteries are caused by a buildup of plaque in your arteries. This can be caused by a buildup of plaque, a clot, or an injury to the aorta. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Sometimes coronary artery disease develops without any classic risk factors. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This content does not have an Arabic version. Atherosclerosis is the condition in which arteries become clogged due to the buildup of a substance called plaque. We can sometimes go around the blockage or work backward through the heart. This content does not have an English version. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine explains clogged arteries can reduce blood flow to your genitals, which can induce this issue. Additionally, when the artery is blocked, it can cause raised blood pressure and an increase of plaque in the arteries, which can also lead to dizziness. Henke says that this is especially true for people whove had procedures to treat PAD, such as stents or a bypass. The resulting shortfall in oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle can cause the chest discomfort known as angina. Clogged arteries in general can lead to different health issues depending on where they occur. JACC. Accessed March 24, 2022. Peter Henke, MD, professor of surgery, University of Michigan Medicine; chair, American Heart Association Peripheral Vascular Disease Council. It can affect any part of the body. Coronary artery disease may also be called coronary heart disease. In fact, when a patient does begin to experience symptoms of clogged arteries, it is often a sign of advanced disease. Besides high cholesterol, damage to the coronary arteries may be caused by: Coronary artery disease is common. Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the heart's specialized arteries become narrowed or blocked. 10 Tips for Living With Atrial Fibrillation, Unexpected Heart Attack Triggers You Should Know. Thats a sign your body is working in overdrive to pump enough blood. Causes of shortness of breath Common causes include asthma, a chest infection, being overweight, and smoking. Pain radiating down the arm. A completely blocked coronary artery will cause a heart attack. Pain in your chest is never something to ignore but its not always from the same condition, either. Last Updated on July 4, 2021 by Linda Bell. When blood can't get through your artery, it can't deliver critical oxygen and nutrients to your organs and body parts. Your guide to lowering your cholesterol with therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC). Ferri FF. By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN This, of course, also likely means reoccurring migraines could signal issues with your arteries. Atherosclerosis, being a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, is the number one killer of individuals globally. Heart; Bel Marra Health explainsyou may think your chest pain is the sign of an oncoming heart attack. Plaques and blood clots can reduce blood flow through an artery. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26892956/. Dr. Turers additional office locations do not accept online scheduling. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Search Conditions & Treatments The valve between the lower left heart chamber and the body's main artery (aorta) is narrowed and doesn't open fully. Coronary artery disease (CAD) does not usually cause symptoms until it becomes advanced. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Oats. Natural Medicines. Accessed Feb. 11, 2020. In the best-case scenario. Lifestyle changes are key, and may include: Medications may be used to help you manage conditions that can cause clogged arteries, including: You may also be prescribed medications like anticoagulants or antiplatelets to help prevent complications of clogged arteries. Chest pain or pressure can be a sign of an arterial blockage in the heart. Use of flecainide in stable coronary artery disease: An analysis of its safety in both nonobstructive and obstructive coronary artery disease. Erectile dysfunction is often a symptom of coronary artery disease in men. For any stroke symptom, you need to call 911 right away. Kannam JP, et al. The tightened valve does not allow blood to freely move out of the heart to be supplied to the brain and the rest of the body. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/all-publications-and-resources/your-guide-lowering-cholesterol-therapeutic-lifestyle. Accessed March 24, 2022. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Arab journal of urology. Each time blood passes through the heart, the lower right chamber (right ventricle) pumps blood to the lungs through a large blood vessel (pulmonary artery). If things do get worse, there are signals and signs you can look out for.. However, many heart attacks have minimal or no symptoms and are found later during routine testing. other information we have about you. Symptoms of Clogged or Blocked Arteries Blocked arteries can become too narrow and hardened to function properly. Accessed March 8, 2022. If a piece of plaque breaks off it can also block blood flow to the brain. But these symptoms can also be signs of a stroke. Braswell-Pickering EA. Early discovery and prevention are key to avoiding complications from clogged arteries. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which JAMA Network Open. Artery blockages are not created equal. Who you see depends a lot on where the blockage is and what problems it is causing. And one study involving over 7,000 men and women found those who experienced moderate to severe baldness had a doubled risk of dying from heart disease regardless of gender. Arnett DK, et al. 2015 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Accessed March 24, 2022. The upper chambers, the right and left atria, receive incoming blood. Association between obesity and cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of mendelian randomization studies. It occurs due to narrowing of the arteries in the legs. American Heart Association. Accessed Feb. 11, 2020. Growing older can increase the risk of developing Group 1 pulmonary hypertension, called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). No gaps whatsoever.Now translate those examples to your health. A worsening of this condition can ultimately lead to a loss of the limb, so you want to get this addressed ASAP. Natural Medicines. Classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing, substernal chest pain, pain in your shoulders or arms, shortness of breath, and sweating. When arteries that supply blood to the brain become clogged due to atherosclerosis, people can experience symptoms of a stroke. Coronary artery disease in rheumatoid arthritis: Pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic implications. What is it? This occurs when the heart is unable to get enough blood flow to provide the oxygen needed to keep the heart muscle healthy and alive. It has to pump harder than usual to move blood through narrowed or blocked pulmonary arteries. You know having ahealthy heartandbrainis important for living a long life. Mankad R (expert opinion). If you begin having serious trouble talking, understanding what others are saying, writing or reading, remembering things, or even thinking, it could be a sign of a stroke. Simonneau G, et al. There is a problem with You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on When you do start to notice symptoms, they may be mild. Siscovick DS, et al. Skip to Site Navigation Haemodynamic definitions and updated clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension. Patients should understand that successful treatment will relieve symptoms and will result in a better quality of life. Arteries may be able to be reopened or at the very least you may need blood thinners.. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. information submitted for this request. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2021.100931. High cholesterol levels can lead to this buildup of plaques. The first step is to see a doctor. Heart, Natural Medicines. When blood vessels in the lungs become thickened, narrowed, blocked or destroyed, it's harder for blood to flow through the lungs. If not treated, a moderately blocked aorta can lead to a heart . JAMA. What is the symptoms of heart enlargement? Other things that can raise the risk of pulmonary hypertension include: Potential complications of pulmonary hypertension include: Right-sided heart enlargement and heart failure (cor pulmonale). The lower chambers, the more muscular right and left ventricles, pump blood out of the heart. The shortage of oxygenated blood in the brain can lead to a fainting spell. Women's Health, Diet and Nutrition; You may also feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint. Just like dizziness, migraines, and depression, you can develop these health issues for a number of reasons. Discovering you have coronary artery disease can be overwhelming. Coronary artery disease. This can lead to the feeling of shortness of breath. It's working harder with less. Be sure to discuss your overall health, history, and any concerns about clogged arteries with your healthcare providers regularly. CAD typically takes a long time to develop. Published March 15, 2017. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Even if you are used to feeling tired or having difficulty walking, take notice when new symptoms appear or stable symptoms become worse. 2017; doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000482. Journal of geriatric cardiology: JGC. Being short of breath is never a comfortable feeling and you may be even more alarmed if you exercise regularly and youre still feeling winded after a journey up a flight of stairs. American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs. If you notice discomfort in your legs and a chill in your feet, ask your physician to check for pulses in your feet. Heart, Appointment health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health This blood carries oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body and is essential for sustaining life. At the same time, people with PAD have to contend with the risk of infection, which can spiral into an emergency. However, this sensation can often be a sign of heart disease or a heart attack in women. You may expect heart palpitations to feel like an intense beating, but thats not always the case. Claudication is due to a lack of blood flow to the muscles of the legs during walking or exercise. 10 Possible Signs and Symptoms of Clogged Arteries, October 31, 2020 - Updated on September 15, 2022, Possible Signs and Symptoms of Clogged Arteries, Life-Threatening Complications of Clogged Arteries, Chest pain or pressure can be a sign of an arterial blockage, people can experience chest pain as a symptom. Additionally, it can be accompanied by shortness of breath . Gastrointestinal pain and vomiting are also commonly associated with arterial issues,Livestrong.com says, so keep that in mind. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries and inflammation are usually the cause of coronary artery disease. McGraw Hill; 2019. Evaluation and prognosis of Eisenmenger syndrome. Here are signs that its time to call 911 or get to the emergency room. Clogged arteries are caused by atherosclerosis, which develops over time as plaques formed from fats, minerals, cholesterol, and more build up inside the walls of your arteries. Accessed March 24, 2022. The symptoms arent as obvious as you think. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Mayo Clinic. A heart attack can occur when there is blockage in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. A critical review of chronic kidney disease as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Atherosclerosis is usually the cause of chronic ischemia. A typical heart has two upper and two lower chambers. A healthy lifestyle can help keep the arteries strong and clear of plaque. You may need tests to check for narrowed arteries and coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease: Angioplasty or bypass surgery? https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/coronary-heart-disease. If the heart is unable to get enough oxygen to perform its function, the heart will begin to work harder. Cleveland Clinic. It's typically no cause for concern. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Pulmonary hypertension signs and symptoms include: There is a problem with Physical inactivity, long periods of unrelieved stress in your life, an unhealthy diet and smoking can all increase your risk. While you may have no obvious signs early on, symptoms can develop as plaque builds up in the arteries. Can a blocked heart artery clear itself? The signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension develop slowly. Sudden confusion. Existing patients may also schedule an appointment using MyChart. If the narrowing of the carotid arteries becomes severe enough that blood flow is blocked, it can cause a stroke. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Suddenly in need of a new pair of slippers? If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could It is thought that this feeling is due to the heart having a decreased ability to fill and empty, leading to increased pressure in the blood vessels in and around the lungs. Mayo Clinic. Published April 10, 2017. Thats another reason to not ignore these things, Henke says. Readers Digest explainsif you have a crease in your earlobe that goes diagonally from your ear canal to the bottom edge of your lobe, that could mean trouble. There are several kinds, but one that may cause shortness of breath is SVT, or atrial tachycardia. (7) Just as the process of atherosclerosis has been previously discussed to occur in the small arteries that feed the heart, this process can occur in the small arteries of the penis. Stephen Kopecky, M.D., Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic: I'm Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. The most concerning complications of clogged arteries are heart attack and stroke. This form of heart failure is often due to damage to the heart muscle because of clogged arteries to the heart. This might be eating healthier foods, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, reducing stress or quitting smoking. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Call 911. Treatment of aortic stenosis depends on the severity of the condition. Hours or even minutes can be the difference between losing a limb or keeping it. privacy practices. your arteries will remain wide open, allowing blood to move quickly and freely to where it needs to go. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of This type of pain is called claudication. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. In reality, it may not be that severe just yet. . In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2020. Shortness of breath. (4). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Diagnosing CAD starts by talking to your doctor. Today, we have more treatment options. Lee Kirksey, MD, vascular surgeon, vice chair, Vascular Surgery Department, Cleveland Clinic. To make an appointment at one of Dr. Turers other locations, please use the Request an Appointment button below and fill out form that follows. Prevention, Heart; The plaque deposits can block blood flow to your heart. Research suggests hair loss, particularly male-pattern baldness, strongly predicts clogged arteries and heart disease, Readers Digest reports. Sawlani NN, Kinlay S. Claudication: Pay for Structured Exercise or Go Take a Hike. You may also feel short of breath when you exercise. or Call214-645-8300. This condition is called atherosclerosis. All rights reserved. Arteries are vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to every other part of your body. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. This complex system works well, but certain conditions and lifestyle choices can cause fat and cholesterol to build up in these vessels, eventually clogging them. This content does not have an Arabic version. If we combine this information with your protected Following a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent coronary artery disease. Accessed March 24, 2022. The typical heart has two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Heres What You Need to Know, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine notes, Signs Youre at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and What You Can Do About It, The Surprising Way Your Body Fat Could Save Your Life, 15 Ways to Manage Arthritis Pain in Winter, 11 Vegetables That Will Make You Lose Belly Fat in 1 Week, 15 Foods You Should Eat Everyday to Fight Dementia, Symptoms of Anemia: 7 Signs You Should Not Ignore, 15 Early Warning Signs Cancer Is Growing Inside Your Body, Ways to Use Avocado: 17 Things You Had No Idea Avocados Could Do, 14 Most Effective Natural Remedies To Relieve Joint Pain. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/coronary-heart-disease Accessed March 8, 2022. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. In some cases, high cholesterol is genetic, but it is mostly linked to diet and lifestyle choices. Stroke symptoms. It is the most common heart disease in the United States. Remember, unlike most pumps, the heart has to pump its own energy supply. It can affect any part of your body. In this video, we'll cover the basics of coronary artery disease. Accessed March 24, 2022. Herrington W; Lacey B; Sherliker P; Armitage J; Lewington S; Epidemiology of Atherosclerosis and the Potential to Reduce the Global Burden of Atherothrombotic Disease. You may have never guessed that depression goes hand-in-hand with clogged arteries. Fuster V, et al., eds. International Journal of Cardiology: Heart & Vasculature. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs of coronary artery disease, how to reduce your risk, A History of Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease May Reduce Risk of Dementia, AI uses voice biomarkers to predict coronary artery disease, 3 things to know about women's heart health, Genetic testing proves beneficial in prescribing effective blood thinners. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which June 30, 2021. Coronary artery disease, also called CAD, is a condition that affects your heart. When your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you might develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue during activities. When your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, oxygen-rich blood can't reach your heart muscle. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It means the artery is completely blocked. If a close relative was diagnosed at an early age with heart disease, you're at a greater risk. Pain, pressure, or a sense of fullness in the chest is a hallmark sign of a heart attack. And pay attention to symptoms outside of your legs. But getting them severely and frequently is something you should watch. Testing can include: These tests can be used to measure the amount of fats and cholesterol in your blood, how much resistance your heart faces when pumping blood (blood pressure), how well oxygen-rich blood is reaching certain parts of the body, and the degree of damage to areas of the body where there is a clogged artery. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-recommendation/aspirin-use-to-prevent-cardiovascular-disease-preventive-medication. Home > Heart Health > 10 Possible Signs and Symptoms of Clogged Arteries. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4987417/. European Heart Journal. Your diagnosis will begin with a physical exam, as well as a review of your personal and family medical history. This type of stroke can be treated effectively with strong blood thinners. Prevention through a healthy lifestyle is usually the best defense against clogged arteries. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The passage of blood through arteries can be compromised when atherosclerosis, or clogging of the arteries, occurs. Numbness or weakness. But here's a little-known fact: some of the time, ischemia causes . https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hypertension-in-adults-screening. It can also be a sign of a panic attack. The earliest stages of heart disease, which is a malfunction of the blood vessels not being able to open properly, can often be first observed in the penis with erectile dysfunction. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk. https://health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines/guidelines. Symptoms of blocked or clogged arteries can include: 2 Fatigue Dizziness Shortness of breath Chest pain Lower back pain Cold hands or feet Pain or numbness in your legs, hands, or feet Discoloration of the skin in the affected area Hair loss Decreased or absent pulses, especially in the feet Sores or ulcers that won't heal 3 It's most commonly caused by a large hole in the heart between the two lower heart chambers (ventricles), called a ventricular septal defect. J Fam Pract. Again, the decrease in blood flow may be due to atherosclerosis, or clogging of the arteries. Click here for an email preview. While these facts have not changed substantially, the scientific understanding of heart disease has evolved. Fast pulse or pounding heartbeat (palpitations), Shortness of breath (dyspnea), initially while exercising and eventually while at rest, Swelling (edema) in the ankles, legs and eventually the belly area (abdomen), Unknown cause (idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension), Changes in a gene passed down through families (heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension), Use of certain drugs or illegal substances, Heart problems present at birth (congenital heart disease), Left-sided heart valve disease such as mitral valve or aortic valve disease, Failure of the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Scarring of the tissue between the lung's air sacs (pulmonary fibrosis), Long-term exposure to high altitudes in people who may be at higher risk of pulmonary hypertension, Chronic blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary emboli), Blood disorders, including polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, Inflammatory disorders such as sarcoidosis and vasculitis, Metabolic disorders, including glycogen storage disease, Tumors pressing against pulmonary arteries, Blood-clotting disorders or a family history of blood clots in the lungs, Use of certain drugs, including some weight-loss medicines and illegal drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), used to treat depression and anxiety.