Health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of complete physical, mental and physiological well-being.
A person who satisfies all three parameters is said to be healthy.
With a host of diseases and conditions to contend with, it is easier said than done.
The susceptibility of man towards diseases is well documented through the ages.
Epidemics have wiped out entire cities.
Diseases have swept across the globe without any regard to boundaries.
Health is a frail thread hanging in strong wind.
To make things worse pollution and lifestyle changes are causing the new age diseases.
Diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, pulmonary hypertension are on the upswing.
This is due to changes in lifestyle.
Therefore, it is imperative that this negative effective should be equalized.
This can be done through a good diet, regular and proper exercise and avoiding the consumption of alcohol and smoking.
Pulmonary Hypertension - What is it? It is a medical condition in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillaries increases.
This causes fainting, spells of dizziness and shortness of breath and in severe cases death.
Symptoms: The symptoms for pulmonary hypertension gradually develop, leading to negligence on part of the patient.
Some of the common symptoms are shortness of breath, fainting, swelling of knees and ankles, cough and coughing up blood.
The shortness of breath is typically aggravated in the lying down pose.
Causes: Pulmonary hypertension can stem from a number of causes.
If there is a history of the disease within the family, the disease is genetic.
It can also be caused due to exposure to drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and alcohol abuse which leads to cirrhosis.
Diagnosis: initially a physical examination is carried out to look for signs of pulmonary hypertension.
One of the major symptoms is altered heart sounds, like a loud sound on the closure of the pulmonic valve closure and a second heart sound.
Other physical signs include elevated pressure in the jugular vein, swelling of knees and ankles and clubbing.
Further testing is required to confirm pulmonary hypertension.
Tests must be conducted to rule out HIV and other immune system attacking diseases as they show similar symptoms.
An Electro Cardio Gram (ECG) and a chest X-ray report are also required.
Another test that is conducted is the 'six minute walk test'.
This test is used to determine the distance covered by the patient in six minutes.
This is compared with standard test results to co-relate the chances of survival.
Treatment: Treatment is carried out based on the type of pulmonary hypertension.
It most cases it is synonymous with cognitive heart failure and the treatment involves optimizing the function of the left ventricle by using Diuretics and inhibitors.
This condition can also be treated surgically by lung transplantation or atrial septostomy.
Prevention: Since the cause of pulmonary hypertension varies according to the individual, there is no specific preventive measure.
If positive lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and reduction in consumption of alcohol are incorporated the chances of getting this disease are reduced.