Risk Factors For Pulmonary Hypertension

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a group of conditions in which a patient’s skin and connective tissues tighten. Many patients only have skin symptoms, which include patches of skin that seem incredibly shiny because the patch is stretched tightly. They may also find that their movement is restricted due to these tight patches. Raynaud’s phenomenon is an early symptom as well. It is when the fingers and toes turn blue and feel numb when affected individuals are exposed to cold temperatures or are feeling stressed. Some forms of scleroderma affect the blood vessels and cause them to tighten like the skin. Narrowed blood vessels and arteries make blood pressure rise, which can result in pulmonary hypertension.