Patient's question:
Your friend's baby is now 1.5 years old and has congenital heart disease, including pulmonary artery hypertension and patent ductus arteriosus. A month ago, the baby underwent surgery, and other recovery aspects have been good. However, after a month, a follow-up check revealed that pulmonary artery hypertension has increased from 66 to 106. The baby has been taking antihypertensive and diuretic medications without interruption, but for some reason, this condition has reappeared. The baby's voice has become hoarse, and their breathing is still very rapid. What could be the cause of the pulmonary artery hypertension?Doctor's answer:
There are many factors that can lead to pulmonary hypertension, such as left heart disease, congenital heart disease, hypoxic inflammation, pulmonary thromboembolism, and so on. According to the guidelines for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension, the definitive diagnosis standard for pulmonary hypertension is an average pulmonary artery pressure of 25 mmHg measured by right heart catheterization at rest. Once a case of congenital heart disease complicated with pulmonary hypertension is detected, it is essential to admit the patient to the hospital and provide active treatment. The most fundamental way to prevent the recurrence of pulmonary hypertension is to correct the heart malformation in patients with congenital heart disease as early as possible.