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Members discussed what causes the heart to enlarge with PAH, with a helpful analogy comparing the heart to a pump and arteries to a hose that... Read more
Think of an artery as a hose and the heart as a pump. The pump works 65-100 x a minute. The hose, over time, loses elasticity, has plaque buildup inside the walls and the pressure can build up. The heart can also become enlarged from disease or lack of exercise. Does this help a little?
Dang Melanie,
That was a better explanation than I've ever received from the medical professionals.
Ann,
My heart rate goes up during housework, and I sweat, and blood pressure elevates a little. I think the increased heart rate could be experienced by a lot of people, I may be wrong.
Great answer @A myPHteam Member! @A myPHteam Member to add to Melanie's answer, just like when you exercise to build muscle bulk, the harder your heart has to work the denser and larger the heart muscle gets. In essence, PAH can create back pressure on the heart requiring it to work harder to pump blood through the pulmonary artery to the lungs.
Willie, that happens to me when I go upstairs. Sometimes I have to stop half way up and sit on a step for a minute or two before going up the last few steps. I always make sure my husband is behind me to make sure I don’t fall. My SOB and fast heart rate (tachycardia) recover when I sit for a few minutes. Please, always, safety first! Blessings to you.
I get sob and my heart ❤️ rate goes up just walking around my Apt.
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