What is a common cause of secondary pulmonary hypertension?

Secondary pulmonary hypertension occurs as a result of an underlying condition that affects the pulmonary vasculature or the left side of the heart. One of the most prevalent causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension is left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart's ability to effectively pump blood out to the body is compromised, which leads to increased pressure in the left atrium. This elevated pressure is then transmitted back to the pulmonary circulation, resulting in increased pulmonary artery pressure and ultimately pulmonary hypertension.

Other conditions may contribute to the development of pulmonary hypertension; however, left-sided heart failure is particularly significant as it directly impacts the hemodynamics of the pulmonary system. Chronic bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia primarily affect the lungs and airways, but they do not typically cause the same degree of hemodynamic changes seen with left-sided heart failure, making them less common causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension.