pulmonary hypertension

[Debser]

Is there a relationship between pulmonary hypertension and emphysema? Does emphysema cause pulmonary hypertension, and, does pulmonary hypertension make emphysema worse? Can pulmonary hypertension be cured?
thanks

[National Jewish Health]

Secondary pulmonary hypertension does occur with emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  It is usually of low-moderate severity but not infrequently leads to right-heart failure, also known as cor pulmonale.  It does not directly make emphysema worse or hasten the progression of emphysema but adds to the overall burden on one's heart and lungs.

The hypertension that occurs due to emphysema is often associated with and markedly worsened by low arterial blood oxygen levels, also known as hypoxemia, especially at night during sleep and frequently only at night.  Thus a normal daytime oxygen level, at rest, in an individual with chronic lung disease, does not rule-out significant oxygen deprivation during sleep, sufficient to markedly increase the pulmonary artery pressure and, in the long run, hasten one's demise.  Nighttime oxygen levels can easily be assessed by oximetry.  You should ask your doctor about this.

Good luck.