Pulmonary hypertension occurs when blood pressure becomes too high within the pulmonary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen rich blood to the lungs. High blood pressure in the heart makes it difficult for the arteries to expand, therefore, restricting blood flow. The heart then has to work harder to pump blood. This results in the weakening of the heart and may lead to heart failure.

Here are seven common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension:

1.​ Shortness of breath
This is feeling like you cannot breathe because your chest is tightening. Shortness of breath is usually not a symptom most people are gravely concerned about. There are many things that can cause shortness of breath that are not critical. It may be a sign of a panic attack or more common causes like a cold, smoking, or being overweight. However, shortness of breath that worsens with physical activity or when you lie down could be a sign of pulmonary hypertension. Also, if this symptom persists for more than a month and is accompanied by persistent coughing, it is important to seek medical attention.

2.​ Fatigue
When you are fatigued you always feel tired for no apparent reason, or you may feel that more energy is required to complete simple tasks. Fatigue is one of the most ignored symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. This is because most people often experience excessive tiredness due to staying up late nights, long work hours, depression, etc. However, it is important to note that fatigue may be a result of high blood pressure in the heart as the heart is being overworked, leaving you feeling tired.

3.​ Chest pain
This is a tightened or heavy feeling of the chest that may spread to other parts of your body such as your left arm or back. When blood flow to the heart muscles is reduced, it results in chest pain. While this is not usually life-threatening, it is important to visit your general practitioner to rule out pulmonary hypertension or other critical illnesses. Chest pain that is caused by physical activities and stops when resting should definitely be assessed.

4. Racing heartbeat
Heart palpitations cause accelerated heart rate and fluttering of the heart. Heart palpitations may occur after exercising or caused by stress or other factors. However, it may also be a sign of medical issues such as heart conditions. Heart failure results in an irregular heartbeat as the heart cannot pump blood properly around the body.

5. ​Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
Sharp pain below the right ribs that is persistent and sometimes unbearable with pulmonary hypertension. The right upper quadrant of the abdomen holds several important organs of the body so pain in this part of the body should not be ignored. This may be a symptom of pulmonary hypertension or problems with the liver, pancreas, or right kidney. The intensity of the pain depends on the severity of the issue.

6.​ Decreased appetite
Pulmonary hypertension usually results in weight loss or fluctuating weight due to decreased appetite. This is often connected to fatigue as persons typically feel too tired to eat. Eating may feel like a chore that is hard to do. The body constantly being overworked as the heart struggles to pump blood typically results in fat being burned.

7. ​Edema
This is swelling caused by your body’s tissues trapping fluid. Heart conditions such as pulmonary hypertension as well as issues of the kidney and liver may result in swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs. This swelling is caused by the build-up of fluid in these areas. Edema usually goes away on its own and should be medically assessed if it persists.