WHO Group 3 pulmonary hypertension occurs in association with chronic lung disease and/or hypoxia (low oxygen levels). Patients can often benefit from treating the underlying lung disease.
Hypoxic vasoconstriction
PH can be secondary to chronic lung diseases, including obstructive lung diseases (COPD) and restrictive lung diseases (pulmonary fibrosis).
These lung diseases and conditions include:
- Obstructive lung disease where the lung airways narrow and make it harder to exhale (e.g. COPD or emphysema)
- Restrictive lung disease in which the lungs have a tough time expanding when one inhales (e.g. interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis)
- Sleep apnea
- Living in an area of high altitude for a long period of time. Arteries in the lungs tighten so that blood can only go to areas of the lungs that are receiving the most air and oxygen. This tightening leads to high blood pressure throughout the lungs.
Conditions that increase your risk for Group 3 PH
These associated diseases or conditions are among those that can increase your risk of developing Group 3 PH.
- COPD
Pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to progressive lung diseases caused by reduced air flow in and out of the lungs.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease, which is related to the network of tissue that supports air sacs in the lungs.
- Interstitial Lung Disease
Patients with Group 3 pulmonary hypertension related to ILD are at an increased risk of mortality and morbidity including higher supplemental O2 requirements.
- Sleep Apnea
Mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension is a common complication of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while one is asleep.
