Pulmonary hypertension is a complex and poorly understood condition. The exact cause of pulmonary hypertension can vary from patient to patient. According to Dr. Arjun Khanna, HOD, Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, it is most commonly associated with autoimmune disorders, and notably, it tends to affect more female patients.
However, individuals with chronic respiratory diseases can also develop pulmonary hypertension.
“Patients with chronic respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to exacerbations caused by ongoing pollution levels. When these individuals experience a worsening of their baseline respiratory diseases due to increased pollution, they may also experience a corresponding acute worsening of pulmonary hypertension. This acute worsening of pulmonary hypertension can lead to an escalation in respiratory failure, further complicating the patient’s condition,” Dr. Khanna told Financial Express.com.
Recent data indicates that when a chronic respiratory disease is acutely exacerbated, it can result in increased right heart pressure. This increase in right heart pressure is referred to as acute pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, exposure to pollution indirectly contributes to the worsening of lung function, which can, in turn, exacerbate pre-existing pulmonary hypertension.
Moreover, long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can accelerate the progression of both chronic respiratory diseases and pulmonary hypertension, Dr. Khanna revealed. This cycle of worsening respiratory function and heightened pulmonary pressure can lead to a decline in overall health and quality of life for these patients.
“Managing chronic respiratory diseases, particularly in polluted environments, requires careful monitoring of lung function, adherence to prescribed treatments, and steps to minimize exposure to environmental triggers like air pollution. By reducing exposure to harmful pollutants and optimizing treatment regimens, the risk of acute exacerbations of pulmonary hypertension can be minimized, improving outcomes and reducing complications for patients,” he said.
Individuals with chronic respiratory diseases who are exposed to air pollution are at greater risk of both worsening respiratory function and the acute exacerbation of pulmonary hypertension. This highlights the critical importance of managing air quality for those with underlying lung conditions, as exposure to pollutants can significantly worsen their health, he added.