Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious medical ailment. It refers to high blood pressure in the arteries that extend between the heart and lungs. It is considered to be very different from regular high blood pressure, as it directly affects the respiratory system. In this condition, the tiny arteries in the lungs get narrow and become blocked. As a result of this, it becomes more difficult for blood to flow through them.

This, in turn, elevates the blood pressure within the lungs. To counteract this, the heart is forced to work harder and pump blood better through those arteries, undergoing considerable strain. After continuous strain, the heart muscle gets weak. In the worst case scenario, this can lead to heart failure. Here are some basic PAH facts:

1. What is the outlook of the disease?
A life-threatening disease that can worsen over time, the treatments for pulmonary hypertension mostly aim to help manage your symptoms, so you can live a healthy life. This may require some careful planning. However, several people have reported being able to live a normal life and continue to do everything they love, just like prior to being diagnosed with the disease.

2. Causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension
There may be times when a doctor is unable to determine the cause for high blood pressure in the lungs. In such a case, the condition is termed as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. There is evidence to suggest that the genetic makeup of a person may be the reason why some people develop this disease.

In other cases, another condition may be responsible for PAH. The illnesses that may trigger high blood pressure in the lungs are:

• Blood clots inside the lungs
• Congestive heart failure
• HIV
• Liver disease (such as cirrhosis)
• Unlawful drug use
• A congenital heart defect
• Rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases
• Sleep apnea
• Lung ailments like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis

3. How is PAH identified?
The primary symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension is shortness of breath when the body is active. It begins slowly and worsens over time. You may not notice this for a while. However, later, you may realize that you are unable to carry out certain actions without feeling winded. Other symptoms of the disease are fatigue, chest pain, losing consciousness, and swollen legs and ankles.

4. How is the disease diagnosed?
The doctor will ask you several questions regarding your lifestyle and shortness of breath, such as:

• Are you a smoker?
• When did the symptoms begin appearing?
• Does anyone in your family suffer from lung or heart disease?
• Have the symptoms ever gone away?
• What causes your symptoms to worsen and get better?

After this, the doctor will run several tests, including a CT Scan, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q scan), and chest X-ray. With a few blood tests and exercise tests, he should be able to diagnose your condition properly and recommend a course of treatment.