PPH Attorney

PPH Treatment Options

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) is a disease of the pulmonary artery that causes the artery to constrict which causes blood pressure in the area to increase. When left untreated, as if it isn’t serious enough alone, it can lead to failure of the right side of the heart. The disease itself is incurable but there are options to increase the quality of life and extend life’s duration.

A low salt diet and diuretics may be enough to improve quality of life. If not, there are drugs available to help. An anticoagulant (drug that thins out the blood) can help as well to relieve the pressure in the pulmonary artery. Calcium blockers also help in the relief of pressure in the pulmonary artery. The drug Flolan has been the single most important discovery in treating PPH. It has been shown to increase exercise ability, quality of life, and lifespan. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict how well people will react to these drugs before administering them. What works for some does not work for all.

Because PPH is a progressive disorder and is often fatal, a lung transplant may become necessary at some point later on. It is an option available to people under 65 years of age who also have PPH that does not respond to medical treatment. 73% of lung transplant patients were still living one year after the surgery. 55% were still living after 3 years, and 45% at five years. The immediate reduction of pressure in the pulmonary artery leads directly to an increase in function in the right side of the heart. Also, a recurrence of PPH has not been reported after a lung transplant takes place.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, contact the PPH lawyer at Williams Kherkher in Houston, Texas.