The pursuit of a fulfilling life invariably involves taking care of our health. However, some diagnoses can sound complex and frightening, such as pulmonary hypertension. Receiving this news or knowing someone who is going through it raises many questions and a natural search for clear and reliable information. Understanding what this condition means is the first and most crucial step to finding the best paths for treatment and maintaining quality of life.

Pulmonary hypertension is not the same as common arterial hypertension, which many people regularly measure on their arm. It is a specific and serious condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. This increased pressure requires the heart to work harder to pump blood, which, over time, can lead to significant complications.

Experiencing shortness of breath during simple activities, constant fatigue, or dizziness can be more than just a sign of exhaustion. These are some of the symptoms that may indicate the presence of pulmonary hypertension. Recognizing these signs and understanding their causes is fundamental for early and effective intervention, which can drastically change the prognosis and daily life of those living with the disease.

In this article, we will demystify pulmonary hypertension. We will detail what the condition is, its main symptoms and causes, and how the diagnosis is made. More than that, we will explore how managing stress and anxiety, factors intrinsically linked to any chronic condition, can be a fundamental support pillar during treatment.

As specialists in scientific hypnosis and emotional health, we understand the deep connection between mind and body. Therefore, at the end, we will discuss how strategies focused on psychological well-being can assist health professionals in providing more comprehensive and humanized care to their patients, enhancing the results of conventional treatments and giving them a greater sense of control and well-being.

What Exactly Defines Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a medical condition characterized by elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which transport blood from the heart to the lungs. Unlike systemic arterial hypertension, which affects the overall circulation of the body, PH specifically impacts the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the heart. The main diagnostic criterion for this condition is a mean pulmonary arterial pressure greater than 20 mmHg at rest.

The pathophysiological mechanism of pulmonary hypertension involves the narrowing or hardening of the pulmonary arteries, resulting in difficulty for blood to flow properly. This overload requires the right side of the heart to work more intensely to pump blood, eventually leading to complications such as heart failure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies pulmonary hypertension into five groups, each with different causes:

• Group 1: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), usually of idiopathic or hereditary origin.
• Group 2: Resulting from diseases of the left side of the heart, such as heart failure.
• Group 3: Due to lung diseases and/or hypoxia, including conditions like COPD.
• Group 4: Chronic obstructive, related to persistent pulmonary embolism.
• Group 5: Multifactorial or uncertain mechanisms, which may include conditions like sarcoidosis.

Understanding pulmonary hypertension is crucial for its proper diagnosis and treatment. This condition requires special attention to ensure the quality of life of patients.

Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Pulmonary hypertension can be a subtle challenge, especially in its early stages. Symptoms often appear gradually and may worsen over time. This happens because, as blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases, it hinders the passage of oxygenated blood throughout the body. This limitation results in a series of signs that should not be ignored.

The main symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea): Initially, difficulty breathing occurs during physical exertion but may progress to episodes at rest.
• Chronic fatigue: The heart works harder to pump blood, leading to a constant feeling of exhaustion.
• Dizziness or fainting (syncope): Inadequate pressure can result in low blood flow to the brain.
• Chest pressure or pain: May result from the excessive effort of the heart due to obstruction in the pulmonary arteries.
• Swelling (edema): It is common to notice swelling in the ankles, legs, and even the abdomen due to fluid retention.
• Cyanosis: The bluish coloration of the lips and skin is a sign that the body is not receiving enough oxygen.
• Palpitations: Rapid heartbeats are frequent in response to the additional effort the heart needs to make.

It is crucial to seek medical attention upon noticing the combination of these signs. Early diagnosis can be fundamental for better management of the condition and thus improve quality of life.

Main Causes and Associated Risk Factors

Pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, can be classified as idiopathic when there is no known cause or secondary when caused by other diseases. The causes of pulmonary hypertension vary widely and can be organized into different categories.

Connective tissue diseases: Conditions affecting the connective tissue, such as scleroderma and lupus, can contribute to the development of pulmonary hypertension due to changes in the structure of blood vessels.

Congenital heart diseases: Defects present from birth that affect the heart can hinder blood flow and lead to increased blood pressure in the lungs.

Chronic liver disease: Cirrhosis, for example, can increase pressure in the portal vein and consequently affect pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

HIV infection: The HIV virus can weaken the immune system and cause vascular lesions that result in pulmonary hypertension.

Use of drugs or toxins: Substances such as amphetamines and some illicit drugs are linked to the development of pulmonary hypertension.

In addition to the mentioned causes, some related risk factors should be considered:

• Family history of pulmonary hypertension
• Obesity
• Use of weight loss medications
• Living at high altitudes
• Presence of medical conditions such as sleep apnea
• Chronic lung diseases

It is important to emphasize that, although the presence of one or more of these factors may increase the risk, it does not guarantee the development of the disease in every case.

Hypnosis in Managing Chronic Disease Stress

Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic disease, such as pulmonary hypertension, can have a strong psychological impact. Fear, uncertainty, and anxiety become constant companions in the patient’s life. This happens because stress and anxiety can intensify symptoms such as shortness of breath and pain, even affecting adherence to treatment. It is in this scenario that scientific hypnosis, proposed by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), can prove to be a valuable tool.

One of the fundamental principles of SBH is that “everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help.” Although hypnosis does not treat or cure pulmonary hypertension, it can assist patients in better managing the emotions related to their condition. Chronic stress not only exacerbates the perception of symptoms but can also hinder the execution of medical recommendations, leading to a vicious cycle that harms overall quality of life.

Hypnosis is defined as an intentionally induced state of consciousness, characterized by focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness. Instead of “reprogramming the mind,” this scientific-clinical approach helps patients change their interpretation of their environment and how they react to it, allowing them to develop new automatic responses to stressful stimuli. As a result, a state of relaxation and better coping strategies are promoted.

Used as a complementary technique and always applied by qualified professionals, hypnosis can enhance evidence-based treatments, indirectly contributing to a significant improvement in the quality of life of those living with pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusion

Pulmonary hypertension is undoubtedly a complex health condition that requires precise diagnosis and specialized medical treatment. As we have seen, it manifests through increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, overloading the heart and generating symptoms that significantly impact the patient’s life, such as shortness of breath and chronic fatigue. Understanding its causes, which range from genetic factors to other associated diseases, is the first step toward effective management.

The treatment of pulmonary hypertension is primarily conducted by cardiologists and pulmonologists and involves medication therapies and, in some cases, more complex procedures. However, a truly comprehensive care approach goes beyond the physical body. Dealing with a chronic illness generates a considerable emotional burden. Anxiety about the future, stress from the limitations imposed by the condition, and the perception of symptoms can become a vicious cycle that worsens overall well-being.

It is precisely at this point that scientific hypnosis, when integrated into evidence-based health practices, reveals its value. As a tool for managing stress and anxiety, it does not aim to cure the physiological condition but to strengthen the patient’s mind. By helping the person change their relationship with thoughts and automatic reactions to stress, hypnosis can reduce the perceived intensity of symptoms and improve adherence to the primary treatment, promoting a greater quality of life.

For health professionals, learning to use hypnosis ethically and scientifically means adding a powerful tool to their therapeutic arsenal. It is the ability to offer deeper support that considers the patient in their entirety — body and mind. Enhancing clinical outcomes through the promotion of emotional health is the future of more humane and effective care.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even take on a new profession? Explore the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis at the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pulmonary hypertension and how does it differ from common arterial hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This is different from common arterial hypertension, which affects the entire body. In pulmonary hypertension, the elevated pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the right ventricles of the heart to the lungs requires greater effort from the heart, potentially leading to serious complications such as heart failure.

What are the main symptoms of pulmonary hypertension that I should watch for?

The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, swelling in the legs, bluish skin coloration, and palpitations. These signs tend to increase gradually. It is essential to seek medical attention upon noticing these symptoms to allow for early diagnosis and improve management of the condition.

What are the causes and risk factors that may contribute to pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by connective tissue diseases, congenital heart diseases, chronic liver diseases, and HIV infection, among others. Risk factors include family history, obesity, use of weight loss medications, and living at high altitudes. Although these factors increase the risk, they do not guarantee that the condition will develop.

How can hypnosis help in managing stress from chronic diseases?

Scientific hypnosis can be an effective tool for managing the stress and anxiety associated with chronic diseases. It does not directly treat pulmonary hypertension but helps patients better cope with feelings of fear and uncertainty, promoting relaxation and new coping strategies, which can result in better quality of life.

Is it possible to improve quality of life with pulmonary hypertension, and how?

Yes, quality of life can be improved with pulmonary hypertension. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential. Additionally, stress management through techniques such as hypnosis, psychological support, and lifestyle changes can help cope with symptoms and improve the overall well-being of the patient. Consulting specialists in cardiology and pulmonology is crucial for comprehensive care.