Which condition involves the arteries and capillaries becoming narrowed and blocked, impacting blood flow to the lungs?

• A. Pulmonary Hypertension
• B. Pleurisy
• C. Pneumonia
• D. COPD

Answer: (A)

The scenario describes high pressure in the vessels that carry blood to the lungs. When the arteries and tiny capillaries in the lungs narrow or become blocked, blood flow through the pulmonary circulation is restricted, causing increased resistance and elevated pressure there. This pattern is pulmonary hypertension, and it can make it harder for blood to pick up oxygen and put extra strain on the right side of the heart.

Pleurisy involves inflammation of the lining around the lungs and presents mainly as chest pain with breathing, not a vascular narrowing issue. Pneumonia is an infection that fills air sacs with fluid or pus, impairing gas exchange rather than altering pulmonary blood flow. COPD is a disease of the airways that causes obstructed airflow, not primarily a problem with the lung vessels, though vascular changes can occur secondarily in advanced disease.