Pulmonary hypertension and Antioxidants

A deficiency of antioxidants in the endothelial layer of the blood vessels in the lungs has been linked to pulmonary hypertension.

The body’s own defense against oxidants in the blood vessels may lead to low levels of nitric oxide, a vasodilator (vasodilators widen or open up the blood vessels allowing for an increase in blood flow and a decrease in blood pressure). This loss of the vasodilator effects of nitric oxide leads to developing pulmonary hypertension. Without the effects of the nitric oxide, the blood vessels become constricted and blood pressure rises.

The study reporting these findings was led by Dr. Serpil Erzurum of the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Erzurum says that  increasing antioxidant intake may increase the vasodilator effects of nitric oxide, lower pulmonary pressure and improve patient outcome.

Source:  Wiley-Blackwell. “Antioxidant Deficiency Linked To Pulmonary Hypertension.”