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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Atrial Fibrillation

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension means abnormally high pressure in the lung circulation, which can strain the right side of the heart. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is one particular form. Symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting, especially during activity.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm caused by disorganized electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart. The irregular rhythm can reduce efficient heart function and increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. It may occur with heart or other medical conditions, although sometimes no specific cause is identified.

Symptoms

Shared
High Blood Pressure
Only in Left Disease
Chest Pain Coughing Blood
Only in Right Disease
Dizziness Strong Urine Odor

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Chronic Disease Smoking
Only in Right Disease
Hormonal Imbalance Obesity

Diagnosis

Pulmonary Hypertension
Evaluation includes medical history, examination, and tests of heart and lung function. Echocardiography assesses heart function and the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension. Right-heart catheterization directly measures pressures when indicated. Further investigations identify the underlying cause and help distinguish the different forms.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is diagnosed by evaluating the heart rhythm and medical history. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can record the irregular rhythm and is commonly used for diagnosis. If episodes are intermittent, Holter monitoring or another ambulatory heart monitor may be used. Echocardiography can assess heart structure and function, while blood tests may help identify contributing conditions such as thyroid disorders.

Prevention

Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension cannot always be prevented. Possible risk-reduction measures depend on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. People with relevant heart, lung, inherited, or other associated conditions can discuss appropriate assessment and risk reduction with their healthcare professional.
Atrial Fibrillation
Maintaining cardiovascular health may help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and its complications. Control blood pressure, diabetes, and other cardiovascular conditions through appropriate medical care. Maintain a healthy weight, remain physically active, avoid smoking, and limit excessive alcohol use. Sleep disorders and thyroid conditions should also be appropriately evaluated and managed when present.

Risk Factors

Pulmonary Hypertension
Risk depends on the form of pulmonary hypertension. Associated factors can include heart or chronic lung disease, low oxygen levels, previous pulmonary blood clots, connective tissue disease such as scleroderma, and certain inherited conditions or exposures. A factor relevant to one form may not apply to another.
Atrial Fibrillation
Risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age and with conditions that affect the heart or cardiovascular system. Important risk factors include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and sleep apnea. Excessive alcohol use and other factors that affect heart rhythm may also increase the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.

Treatment

Pulmonary Hypertension
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Atrial Fibrillation
Treatment comparison will be available soon.