Pulmonary hypertension is a serious and potentially fatal lung disease for which there is no cure. It is a condition that affects the arteries of the lungs, hindering the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. People living with PH suffer from continuous high blood pressure in the lungs, which results in an enlargement of the heart. If left untreated, this will often lead to a weakness of the right-side of the heart, a serious type of heart failure. PH can strike anyone. It typically affects people between 20 and 60 years of age, but PH can also affect children and the elderly.
Learn more about pulmonary hypertension:
- Introduction to PH video series: Click here
- About Pulmonary Hypertension: Click here
- Read The Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension on Canadians, highlighting key findings from the 2021 Canadian PH Community Survey: Click here
- Read stories from the PH community: Click here
World PH Day in Canada and the Paint Canada Purple Campaign
In Canada, World PH Day is brought directly to communities across the country. Each year members of the PH community encourage their local community leaders to recognize World PH Day by lighting up a local monument purple. Since 2014, thanks to these efforts, monuments have been illuminated in periwinkle purple on May 5th from coast to coast.
We have created a sample template to use in your request. Be sure to identify clearly which monument you request to be illuminated and be specific about the date.
Another way to build awareness and support for PH is to have your community issue a proclamation recognizing May 5th as World PH Day.
Please share our social media posts, as well as your own social media posts wearing purple and spreading awareness of PH. Remember to tag us using @PHACanada and the hashtags #PHACanada #PHAwareness and #PHCommunity.
World PH Day 2023 saw 20 landmarks illuminated purple and 12 proclamations issued recognizing May 5th, World PH Day in communities from coast to coast!
View World PH Day photos and media coverage