Pulmonary Artery Disease is a form of the general medical condition known as Pulmonary Vascular Disease. Whereas pulmonary vascular disease refers to any disease affecting the blood vessels to or from the lungs, pulmonary artery disease specifically refers to difficulties related to the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. There are two main sub-types, each of which have their own causes and treatments.

Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This is potentially more damaging at a lower level than general high blood pressure, because the pressure within these blood vessels is normally so low. Damage to the heart and even the liver can result if unresolved. Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by an auto-immune disease, lung disease, or even heart failure; smoking leads to an increased incidence. Symptoms usually start with gradual, progressive shortness of breath, leading to chest pain or even fainting in advanced stages. It can be diagnosed by a chest x-ray showing enlarged pulmonary arteries, or by “right heart” catheterization, which involves inserting a pressure sensor into the right side of the heart and pulmonary artery. Treatment typically consists of a medication specifically designed to lower pulmonary blood pressure, although in cases where an auto-immune disease or congestive heart failure is the cause, drugs that treat the primary condition will also be used.

Pulmonary embolism results when a blood clot, globule of fat or, rarely, a bubble of air causes a blockage within the smaller arteries within the lungs. If the blockage is large, the embolism can cause chest pain and shortness of breath until re-absorbed by the body. Usually these blockages are small and cause no noticable symptoms other than temporarily elevated heart rate. Occasionally however, a blockage will not be absorbed, which can then lead to gradual, spreading damage to more of the small blood vessels in the lungs, which is then called chronic thromboembolic disease. Embolisms can be detected via CT scan or Ventilation/Perfusion scan. Blood clots are typically treated with a blood thinner. In severe cases, blockages may be cleared through surgery.

Pulmonary artery disease can be mild or major; it all depends on the exact cause. However, left untreated it is always dangerous, since the heart and the lungs are vital. Any time symptoms suggesting a pulmonary disease occur, or if you have a family history, it’s a good idea to be tested so that treatment can start early and keep damage from progressing.