PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

UNDERSTANDING PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Women between the ages of 20-50 years old make up the most cases of PH.

SYMPTOMS

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling more tired than usual

• Feeling light-headed or passing out

• You may experience chest pain

• Swelling of the feet and ankles which may progress to your stomach.

 

Patients with PAH may also feel like their heart is racing (palpitations) and the oxygen level in your blood may become very low. 

 

In the early stages there may be no symptoms of the disease.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Are the Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is commonly caused by left heart disease, or conditions that effect the left side of the heart such as mitral valve disease or long term high blood pressure. PH can also be caused by other lung diseases like COPD, Interstitial lung diseases, sleep related breathing disorders, blood clotting and other diseases and conditions like: • Blood disorders, such as polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia • Systemic disorders, such as sarcoidosis and vasculitis • Systemic disorders involve many of the body's organs • Metabolic disorders, such as thyroid disease and glycogen storage disease • Other conditions, such as tumors that press on the pulmonary arteries and kidney disease.



Is there a cure for PAH?

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a very serious disease. At this time there is no cure for PAH. However, there are treatments available to help patients diagnosed with PAH, and medications for PAH are under going clinical trials.



What Causes Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

The cause of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) can be difficult to determine. It can be from some known causes, such as inherited or familial PAH, or it can be caused by reasons that are unknown. This is called idiopathic PAH. Other known causes of PAH are: • Connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma or lupus • Use of prescription amphetamines or diet pills • Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines • Congenital heart defects • Liver disease/cirrhosis • HIV



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