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Pulmonary hypertensionPPulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertensionEnglishCardiologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)HeartHeart;ArteriesConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2017-05-02T04:00:00Z9.2000000000000053.3000000000000715.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in children.</p><h2>What is pulmonary hypertension?</h2><div class="akh-series"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12"> <figure><span class="asset-image-title">Pulmonary arteries</span> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/pulmonary_arteries_EN.jpg" alt="Right pulmonary artery, left pulmonary artery, lung and heart in a baby" /> </figure> <p>The <a href="https://pie.med.utoronto.ca/htbw/module.html?module=heart">pulmonary artery</a> carries blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension occurs when there is high pressure in this artery.</p><p>The pressure in the pulmonary arteries is higher when a baby is born, but it usually lowers over the next few hours or days. When the pressure stays high, it is called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and is usually treated successfully in hospital.</p></div></div></div> <br><h2>Key points</h2> <ul> <li>Pulmonary hypertension is high pressure in the pulmonary arteries.</li> <li>Over time, pulmonary hypertension can lead to problems such as heart failure, damage to the blood vessels or abnormal heart rhythms.</li> <li>Pulmonary hypertension is usually treated with medication to relieve the symptoms.</li> </ul><h2>Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>Pulmonary hypertension is very rare in children, but it is serious. Because it is so rare, it can go undiagnosed for a long time. Symptoms may include decreased exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting or near fainting.</p><h2>Cause of pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>Pulmonary hypertension may appear on its own and it is not clear what causes it. This kind of pulmonary hypertension is usually called idiopathic.</p> <p>There are other conditions that may result in pulmonary hypertension, for example:</p> <ul> <li>it may be associated with congenital heart disease</li> <li>chronic lung disease</li> <li>structural abnormalities of the lungs or lung vessels</li> <li>blood clots in the lung vessels</li> <li>sleep disorders</li> <li>chronic exposure to high altitude</li> <li>it may be drug and toxin induced</li> </ul><h2>Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>The doctor will take your child's medical history and do a physical exam. Then the doctor will do an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and echocardiogram. Other tests may be necessary.</p> <p>Heart catheterization is the best test to confirm the diagnosis and assess how severe the condition is. It also lets the doctor give drugs during the procedure to see if the pressure in the pulmonary artery can be lowered.</p><h2>Treatment of pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>Treatments for pulmonary hypertension are aimed at relieving symptoms. They include:</p> <ul> <li>oxygen to lower lung pressure to help the child breathe more easily</li> <li>drugs called diuretics to get rid of extra fluid in the body</li> <li>specific drugs given by mouth such as sildenafil (Revatio), bosentan (Tracleer) or macitentan (Opsumit), or prostacyclin type medication (Flolan, Remodulin, Uptravi) which may be given as a continuous infusion. These medications may lower the pressures in the pulmonary artery.</li> </ul> <p>Pulmonary hypertension is a challenging condition to treat. However, the good news is that treatments have become available that can slow down the disease, or even help reverse the damage to the lungs.</p> <p>In rare cases, children with pulmonary hypertension have needed a lung transplant.</p><h2>Long-term problems caused by pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>Pulmonary hypertension can lead to various problems:</p> <ul> <li>The right ventricle of the heart needs to work harder to pump blood to the lungs. This makes the right side of the heart get bigger. In the long term, it can lead to heart failure.</li> <li>When the arteries are under high pressure for a long time, tissue in the arteries becomes stiff. As the disease goes on and the high pressure continues, the blood vessels get scarred. This makes them weak and at risk of tearing.</li> <li>The condition can also lead to abnormal heart rhythms because the right ventricle is stretched.</li> </ul><h2>What is Eisenmenger's syndrome?</h2><p>Eisenmenger's syndrome, is pulmonary hypertension resulting from a heart defect. Generally, it begins with a heart defect such as <a href="/Article?contentid=1600&language=English">ventricular septal defect</a> (VSD). Extra blood flows to the lungs through the VSD. Over time this causes high pressure in the lungs. Once the lung pressures are high enough the blood flow through the heart reverses. The high pressure causes the blood flow through the VSD in the heart to reverse and go from the pulmonary arteries to the body. Because this blood has not yet travelled to the lungs, it is "blue blood" and may cause cyanosis.</p><p>Eisenmenger's syndrome can develop in early childhood or take time to develop over the years. Symptoms are similar to those listed above, together with the appearance of cyanosis.</p><p>Once Eisenmenger's syndrome is diagnosed, it is too late to correct the VSD. Treatment involves the use of drugs to control symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.</p>
肺动脉高压肺动脉高压Pulmonary hypertensionChineseSimplifiedCardiologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)HeartHeart;ArteriesConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2017-05-02T04:00:00ZFlat ContentHealth A-Z<p>了解儿童肺动脉高压的症状,病因,和治疗。</p>
Hypertension pulmonaireHHypertension pulmonairePulmonary hypertensionFrenchCardiologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)HeartHeart;ArteriesConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2017-05-02T04:00:00Z9.2000000000000053.3000000000000752.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Apprenez-en davantage sur les symptômes, les causes et le traitement de l’hypertension pulmonaire chez les enfants.<br></p><h2>Qu’est-ce que l’hypertension pulmonaire?</h2><div class="akh-series"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12"> <figure> <span class="asset-image-title">Artères pulmonaires</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/pulmonary_arteries_FR.jpg" alt="L’emplacement de l’artère pulmonaire droite, de l’artère pulmonaire gauche, du poumon et du cœur d’un bébé" /> </figure> <p> <a href="https://pie.med.utoronto.ca/htbw/module.html?module=heart">L’artère pulmonaire</a> achemine le sang du côté droit du cœur jusqu’aux poumons. L’hypertension pulmonaire apparaît lorsque la pression est élevée dans cette artère.<br></p><p>La pression dans les artères pulmonaires est plus grande à la naissance, mais elle s’abaisse généralement au cours des heures ou des jours suivants. Lorsque la pression demeure élevée, on l’appelle hypertension pulmonaire persistante du nouveau-né et elle est généralement traitée avec succès à l’hôpital.</p></div></div></div><h2>À retenir</h2><ul><li>L’hypertension pulmonaire se caractérise par une pression élevée dans les artères pulmonaires.</li> <li>Avec le temps, l’hypertension pulmonaire peut entraîner des problèmes tels que l’insuffisance cardiaque, des dommages aux vaisseaux sanguins ou un rythme cardiaque anormal.</li><li>L’hypertension pulmonaire est habituellement traitée au moyen de médicaments qui soulagent les symptômes.</li></ul><h2>Symptômes de l’hypertension pulmonaire</h2><p>L’hypertension pulmonaire est très rare chez les enfants, mais elle est grave. Parce qu’elle est si rare, elle peut demeurer non diagnostiquée pendant un long moment. Les symptômes peuvent comprendre une diminution de la tolérance à l’exercice, de l’essoufflement, des douleurs à la poitrine, des évanouissements ou des étourdissements.</p><h2>Cause de l’hypertension pulmonaire</h2><p>L’hypertension pulmonaire peut apparaître et on ne sait pas vraiment quelle est sa cause. Ce type d’hypertension pulmonaire est habituellement appelée idiopathique.</p><p>Il existe d’autres états qui peuvent engendrer de l’hypertension pulmonaire, par exemple : </p><ul><li>elle peut être associée à une cardiopathie congénitale;</li><li>une maladie pulmonaire chronique;</li><li>des anomalies structurelles des poumons et des vaisseaux pulmonaires;</li><li>des caillots sanguins à l’intérieur des vaisseaux pulmonaires;</li><li>des troubles du sommeil;</li><li>une exposition chronique aux hautes altitudes;</li><li>elle peut être induite par l’usage de drogues et de toxines.</li></ul><h2>Diagnostic de l’hypertension pulmonaire</h2><p>Le médecin va vous interroger sur les antécédents médicaux de votre enfant et lui fera passer un bilan de santé. Ensuite, le médecin procèdera à un électrocardiogramme, à une radiographie thoracique ainsi qu’à un échocardiogramme. D’autres examens pourraient être nécessaires.</p><p>Pour confirmer le diagnostic et pour évaluer la sévérité de la maladie, le cathétérisme cardiaque s'avère être le meilleur test. Il permet aussi au médecin d’administrer des médicaments pendant l'intervention pour voir si la pression dans l’artère pulmonaire peut être abaissée.</p><h2>Traitement de l’hypertension pulmonaire</h2><p>Les traitements de l’hypertension pulmonaire visent à soulager les symptômes. Ils comprennent :</p><ul><li>de l’oxygène pour abaisser la pression dans les poumons et aider l’enfant à respirer plus facilement;</li><li>des médicaments appelés diurétiques qui permettent d’éliminer l’excédent de liquides dans le corps;</li><li>des médicaments spécifiques administrés par la bouche comme le sildénafil (Revatio), le bosentan (Tracleer) ou le macitentan (Opsumit), ou des médicaments qui peuvent être administrés en une infusion continue du type de la prostacycline (Flolan, Remodulin, Uptravi). Ces médicaments servent à abaisser la pression dans l’artère pulmonaire.</li></ul><p>Traiter l’hypertension pulmonaire représente un défi. Cependant, la bonne nouvelle est que des traitements qui peuvent ralentir la maladie, ou même aider à réparer les dommages aux poumons, sont maintenant disponibles.</p><p>Dans de rares cas, des enfants atteints d’hypertension ont besoin d'une greffe pulmonaire.</p><h2>Les problèmes à long terme causés par l’hypertension pulmonaire</h2><p>L’hypertension pulmonaire peut mener à différents problèmes :</p><ul><li>Le ventricule droit du cœur doit travailler plus fort pour pomper le sang dans les poumons. Ceci force un grossissement du côté droit du cœur. À long terme, cela peut mener à une insuffisance cardiaque.</li><li>Lorsque les artères sont sous haute pression pour une longue période de temps, les tissus formant les artères deviennent rigides. À mesure que la maladie progresse et à cause de l'hypertension, les vaisseaux sanguins se couvrent de cicatrices. Ceci les affaiblit et augmente le risque qu’ils se rompent.</li><li>Cet état peut aussi causer une arythmie cardiaque puisque le ventricule droit est étiré.</li></ul><h2>Qu’est-ce que le syndrome d’Eisenmenger?</h2><p>Le syndrome d’Eisenmenger est une hypertension pulmonaire résultant d’une malformation cardiaque. En général, cela commence par une anomalie cardiaque comme la <a href="/Article?contentid=1600&language=French">communication interventriculaire</a> (CIV). Un excès de sang s’écoule dans les poumons à travers la CIV. Avec le temps, cela augmente la pression dans les poumons. Lorsque cette pression pulmonaire est suffisamment élevée, le flot sanguin traversant le cœur s’inverse. La haute pression force l’inversion du flot sanguin à travers la CIV du cœur. Le sang passe des artères pulmonaires au corps. Parce que ce sang n’a pas encore circulé à travers les poumons, c’est un « sang bleu » qui peut causer une cyanose.</p><p>Le syndrome d’Eisenmenger peut se développer durant la petite enfance ou au fil des ans. Les symptômes sont semblables à ceux décrits ci-dessus en plus de l’apparition d’une cyanose.</p><p>Lorsqu’on a diagnostiqué un syndrome d’Eisenmenger, il est trop tard pour corriger la VSD. Le traitement consiste à utiliser des médicaments pour contrôler les symptômes et prévenir l’aggravation de la maladie.</p>

 

 

Heart conditions: AcquiredHeart conditions: AcquiredHeart conditions: AcquiredHEnglishCardiologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)HeartCardiovascular systemConditions and diseasesAdult (19+) CaregiversNA2018-03-26T04:00:00ZLanding PageCollection Hub<p>Many heart conditions develop over time, usually later in life. However, some conditions can develop during childhood. Some of these are temporary while others last for a long period of time or even a lifetime.</p><p>Many heart conditions develop over time, usually later in life. However, some conditions can develop during childhood. Some of these are temporary, such as those caused by infection, while others last for a long period of time or even a lifetime.</p><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h2 class="panel-title">The heart and the circulatory system</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>The heart is a vital organ that sits between the lungs in your chest. It pumps blood around the body through a network a blood vessels (arteries and veins). Learn about the heart’s anatomy, its role in the body and how it works.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1577&language=English">The normal heart</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1579&language=English">The circulatory system before and after birth</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1578&language=English">Blood</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h2 class="panel-title">Cardiomyopathy</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>With cardiomyopathy the muscle of the heart is affected and is no longer able to pump effectively. Find information on the different types of cardiomyopathy and how it is treated.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h3>Overview</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1628&language=English">Dilated cardiomyopathy</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1629&language=English">Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1630&language=English">Restrictive cardiomyopathy</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1631&language=English">Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h2 class="panel-title">Infective endocarditis</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Infective endocarditis occurs when germs get into the blood and lodge inside the heart. Learn how this condition is diagnosed and how it is treated.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h3>Overview</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=895&language=English">Infective endocarditis</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1632&language=English">Diagnosis of infective endocarditis</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1697&language=English">Preventing infective endocarditis</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h2 class="panel-title">Pulmonary hypertension</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Pulmonary hypertension occurs when there is high pressure in the artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. </p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h3>Overview</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=893&language=English">Pulmonary hypertension</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h3>Tests and diagnosis</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1274&language=English">Echocardiogram</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1642&language=English">Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1647&language=English">Imaging tests: X-ray, MRI and CT scan</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1276&language=English">Electrocardiogram (ECG) test</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1645&language=English">Heart catheterization test</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1666&language=English">Heart catheterization</a></li></ol></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h2 class="panel-title">Other heart diseases and conditions</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Learn about other types of acquired heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, hyperlipidemia, heart tumours and sudden cardiac death. </p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1586&language=English">Congestive heart failure</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1580&language=English">Genetics and heart conditions</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=891&language=English">High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=892&language=English">Heart tumours</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1587&language=English">Other symptoms of a heart condition</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1588&language=English">Sudden cardiac death</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span> <h2 class="panel-title">The health-care team</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Read about the different health-care professionals and teams that will be involved with your child's care.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1591&language=English">Cardiology treatment team</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1597&language=English">Family support for the child with a congenital heart condition</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1594&language=English">Genetics team</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1595&language=English">Nursing team</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1598&language=English">Nutrition and feeding consultants for patients with congenital heart disease</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1169&language=English">Pharmacists</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1599&language=English">Respiratory therapists: Helping children with congenital heart conditions</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1593&language=English">Rehabilitation therapists for children with heart disease</a></li><li class="list-group-item"> <a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1592&language=English">Surgical teams for children with heart conditions</a></li></ol></div>https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/heart_learning_hub.pngheartconditions

 

 

Pulmonary hypertension893.000000000000Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertensionPEnglishCardiologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)HeartHeart;ArteriesConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2017-05-02T04:00:00Z9.2000000000000053.3000000000000715.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in children.</p><h2>What is pulmonary hypertension?</h2><div class="akh-series"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12"> <figure><span class="asset-image-title">Pulmonary arteries</span> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/pulmonary_arteries_EN.jpg" alt="Right pulmonary artery, left pulmonary artery, lung and heart in a baby" /> </figure> <p>The <a href="https://pie.med.utoronto.ca/htbw/module.html?module=heart">pulmonary artery</a> carries blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension occurs when there is high pressure in this artery.</p><p>The pressure in the pulmonary arteries is higher when a baby is born, but it usually lowers over the next few hours or days. When the pressure stays high, it is called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and is usually treated successfully in hospital.</p></div></div></div> <br><h2>Key points</h2> <ul> <li>Pulmonary hypertension is high pressure in the pulmonary arteries.</li> <li>Over time, pulmonary hypertension can lead to problems such as heart failure, damage to the blood vessels or abnormal heart rhythms.</li> <li>Pulmonary hypertension is usually treated with medication to relieve the symptoms.</li> </ul><h2>Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>Pulmonary hypertension is very rare in children, but it is serious. Because it is so rare, it can go undiagnosed for a long time. Symptoms may include decreased exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, chest pain and fainting or near fainting.</p><h2>Cause of pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>Pulmonary hypertension may appear on its own and it is not clear what causes it. This kind of pulmonary hypertension is usually called idiopathic.</p> <p>There are other conditions that may result in pulmonary hypertension, for example:</p> <ul> <li>it may be associated with congenital heart disease</li> <li>chronic lung disease</li> <li>structural abnormalities of the lungs or lung vessels</li> <li>blood clots in the lung vessels</li> <li>sleep disorders</li> <li>chronic exposure to high altitude</li> <li>it may be drug and toxin induced</li> </ul><h2>Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>The doctor will take your child's medical history and do a physical exam. Then the doctor will do an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and echocardiogram. Other tests may be necessary.</p> <p>Heart catheterization is the best test to confirm the diagnosis and assess how severe the condition is. It also lets the doctor give drugs during the procedure to see if the pressure in the pulmonary artery can be lowered.</p><h2>Treatment of pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>Treatments for pulmonary hypertension are aimed at relieving symptoms. They include:</p> <ul> <li>oxygen to lower lung pressure to help the child breathe more easily</li> <li>drugs called diuretics to get rid of extra fluid in the body</li> <li>specific drugs given by mouth such as sildenafil (Revatio), bosentan (Tracleer) or macitentan (Opsumit), or prostacyclin type medication (Flolan, Remodulin, Uptravi) which may be given as a continuous infusion. These medications may lower the pressures in the pulmonary artery.</li> </ul> <p>Pulmonary hypertension is a challenging condition to treat. However, the good news is that treatments have become available that can slow down the disease, or even help reverse the damage to the lungs.</p> <p>In rare cases, children with pulmonary hypertension have needed a lung transplant.</p><h2>Long-term problems caused by pulmonary hypertension</h2> <p>Pulmonary hypertension can lead to various problems:</p> <ul> <li>The right ventricle of the heart needs to work harder to pump blood to the lungs. This makes the right side of the heart get bigger. In the long term, it can lead to heart failure.</li> <li>When the arteries are under high pressure for a long time, tissue in the arteries becomes stiff. As the disease goes on and the high pressure continues, the blood vessels get scarred. This makes them weak and at risk of tearing.</li> <li>The condition can also lead to abnormal heart rhythms because the right ventricle is stretched.</li> </ul><h2>What is Eisenmenger's syndrome?</h2><p>Eisenmenger's syndrome, is pulmonary hypertension resulting from a heart defect. Generally, it begins with a heart defect such as <a href="/Article?contentid=1600&language=English">ventricular septal defect</a> (VSD). Extra blood flows to the lungs through the VSD. Over time this causes high pressure in the lungs. Once the lung pressures are high enough the blood flow through the heart reverses. The high pressure causes the blood flow through the VSD in the heart to reverse and go from the pulmonary arteries to the body. Because this blood has not yet travelled to the lungs, it is "blue blood" and may cause cyanosis.</p><p>Eisenmenger's syndrome can develop in early childhood or take time to develop over the years. Symptoms are similar to those listed above, together with the appearance of cyanosis.</p><p>Once Eisenmenger's syndrome is diagnosed, it is too late to correct the VSD. Treatment involves the use of drugs to control symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.</p>https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/pulmonary_arteries_EN.jpgPulmonary hypertensionFalse

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