Final answer:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by signs such as breathlessness, giddiness, and edema of the ankles. Professional medical evaluation is necessary for those exhibiting signs, as treatment varies based on the underlying cause of the elevated pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is defined as an elevated blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. The noticeable signs of PAH may include breathlessness on exertion, giddiness, and pallor of the skin. Severe cases could manifest as edema of the ankles. During a physical examination, a healthcare provider might observe an elevated heart rate, hypoxemia, crackling sounds in the lungs, shortness of breath, and abnormal results on a chest radiograph suggestive of issues like pneumonia, which can exacerbate symptoms of PAH.
PAH is a serious condition, and while not all cases display overt symptoms, those who do exhibit signs should seek professional medical evaluation. Treatment often entails managing the underlying conditions contributing to the elevated pressure and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions to alleviate symptoms and slow progression of the disease. Because the symptoms can overlap with other conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and patent ductus arteriosus, correct diagnosis is crucial for proper management.