Managing Pulmonary Hypertension

               

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Pulmonary hypertension is a major concern for patients admitted in ICUs for respiratory distress and cardiac ailments. The management of pulmonary hypertension needs proper evaluation of the symptoms together with the co-existing morbidities to support faster recovery and prevent complications.

While patients with respiratory diseases like pulmonary hypertension (PH) do not appear to be at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19, they might be more likely to develop serious chest infections due to the exposure to the virus. 

Healthcare practitioners, hence, need to take extra precautions to minimize the patient's risk of COVID-19. They also need to train and educate patients and their families about the precautions they should take in order to avoid complications related to pulmonary hypertension as well as COVID-19.

Generally, it is advisable for patients to:

·         Stock up on all prescription medications and supplies to last for a few weeks.

·         Stay at home as much as possible

·         Avoid visiting crowded places

·         Avoid non-essential travel

Those with existing respiratory issues should wear a face mask only when necessary as it might make breathing more difficult for them. 

There are several treatments for pulmonary hypertension including medications and surgeries. The patient may be advised one or more medications depending on a number of factors, including the causes of PH and the severity of symptoms.

Treatments usually include anticoagulant medicines like warfarin to prevent blood clots, or diuretics to remove excess fluids from the body. Digoxin can help to improve the symptoms by slowing down the heart rate and strengthening the cardiac muscle contractions.

Critical care of patients with pulmonary hypertension in ICU usually includes mechanical or non-mechanical ventilation depending on the extent of breathing difficulties.

Other treatments recommended for PH include endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, prostaglandins, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, and calcium channel blockers. 

Some patients with PH may need surgery. For example; pulmonary endarterectomy is aimed at removing abnormal blood clots in the pulmonary arteries in patients having chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Atrial septostomy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty can also be performed in some patients when medications fail to produce the desired results. Lung transplantation may be recommended only in severe cases.

 

You can learn more about the management of PH at our ‘Critical Care Webinar’ being conducted on 6th November from 10 am to 3 pm. We will discuss the various treatments and protocols for the management of PH in the ICU settings as well as at home. You will also learn about how to train patients to care for themselves after discharge.

The other topics discussed during this respiratory conference include sedation and analgesia monitoring in ICU patients, and ventilator management of patients with ARDS. We will also discuss the ICU protocols aimed at improving outcomes.

Our panel of expert physicians will share with you some case studies of ICU patients to help you understand the topics with a practical view.

Join the webinar to keep yourself updated about critical care and management to improve your skills and knowledge.

 

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