idiopathic pulmonary hypertensionmedical dictionary

<respiratory medicine> A condition where there is increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries with otherwise normal heart and lungs.

The cause is unknown, but there is diffuse narrowing of the pulmonary arteries resulting in increased arteriolar pressures. Secondary heart failure ensues without correction of this problem. There is an increased incidence of this disease in females between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Treatment may include a heart and lung transplant in select cases.

(27 Sep 1997)