Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension
What is the difference between Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)? There is an important difference between PH & PAH. Pulmonary hypertension is a general term and simply means high blood pressure in the lung. The high blood pressure can be caused by many medical conditions such as diseases of the left heart, chronic lung diseases, sleep apnoea, and blood clots in the lungs. PAH is a specific cause of Pulmonary Hypertension where the arteries of the lungs are directly diseased and become narrowed. It is very important that the exact cause of PH is determined since treatment must be directed at the underlying condition.
What is Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)? Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is the medical term for a progressive disease caused by narrowing or tightening (constriction) of the pulmonary arteries that connect the right side of the heart to the lungs. PAH is a serious condition that affects the blood vessels (pulmonary arteries) that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. PAH is the medical term for a progressive disease caused by narrowing or tightening (constriction) of the pulmonary arteries that connect the right side of the heart to the lungs. PAH gradually restricts the flow of blood through the lungs. As a result, the pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases. The heart must pump against this increased pressure to maintain blood flow in the lungs and to the rest of the body. Over time, this can affect the heart's ability to work effectively and may eventually lead to heart failure. Although PAH is still a rare condition, it is a disease that can affect males and females of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Very rarely, PAH occurs in childhood. This makes early diagnosis very important as treatment can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, improving people's quality of life. Treatment and ongoing management by specialist pulmonary hypertension doctors, nurses, and their healthcare team is vital. (Part of this explanation for PH/PAH was shared with you from the Lung Foundations Better Living Series PAH
A Patients Guide. For your own complete guide contact PHNA or LFA). Participate in our National Registry below. |
People with certain existing medical conditions can also be at a higher risk of developing pulmonary hypertension CLICK (for more info). Currently their is no cure for this serious progressive disease but every year new and improved medications and treatments are being developed which have prolonged and improved the lives of those living with this disease.
PHNA have gathered together the most relevant & up-to-date information for people living with pulmonary hypertension, either written and produced directly through us (see our PH Patient Pack & Resources) or shared with you and/or adapted from other respected organisations. We have endeavoured to present information in an easy to navigate format. We have offered other links to our sister groups, where necessary, and relevant, to further expand your information base.
There are a great many new and exciting developments in the world of Pulmonary Hypertension. With more effective treatments being available people with pulmonary hypertension have the opportunity to manage their disease better, and achieve a higher quality of physical, emotional, and psychological health and well being. |
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Read all the latest on PAH and general lung health from the peak body in Australia for lung diseases. CLICK for calendar updates on events in Australia. Seasonal Winter Information & Tips (Click for more)
Introducing the new booklet Better Living with PAH from the our peak body the Lung Foundation Australia. We are pleased to present this booklet as part of a series on living better with lung disease that now includes Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. This booklet is easy to read and understand and gives the new and existing patient an opportunity to really understand the definitions and disease process of PAH. We highly recommend this resource to the community. You can go online (below) to download, or contact us or the LFA for your own copy. Better Living with PAH Booklet - Fact Sheet on PAH
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PHNA is proudly supported, sponsored and endorsed by many respected organisations and business's. We are extremely grateful to them for making our PH Patient Projects, Events & Operations possible through their generosity and involvement in our community for people living with pulmonary hypertension. CLICK here to read more.
INTRODUCING THE FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE FROM ACTELION CLICK HERE
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