What does HPVD stand for?

Hypertensive Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Hypertensive Pulmonary Vascular Disease (HPVD), also known as Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), refers to a group of conditions characterized by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs). It is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition.

In HPVD, the blood vessels in the lungs become narrowed, blocked, or damaged, leading to increased resistance to blood flow. As a result, the right side of the heart must work harder to pump blood into the lungs, causing the heart to weaken over time.

There are different types and classifications of pulmonary hypertension, including idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension, and associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, among others. Common symptoms of HPVD include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles and legs. If left untreated, HPVD can lead to right heart failure and significantly impact a person's quality of life.