ABOUT PH

What is PH?

Pulmonary hypertension—or PH—is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs (pulmonary arteries).

This video helps explain pulmonary hypertension. See more educational videos here.

The average (mean) pressure within the pulmonary arteries (also known as mPAP) is normally 10-20 mmHg. Pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed when mPAP is higher than 20 mmHg. It is often due to the narrowing and closing of some pulmonary arteries due to several abnormalities:

narrowing of the pulmonary arteries due to spasm (vasoconstriction)
multiplication and growth of cells in the walls of the pulmonary arteries
very small blood clots in the pulmonary arteries
scar tissue forming in the pulmonary arteries

Pulmonary hypertension will often put a strain on the right side of the heart, specifically the right ventricle (RV). If left untreated, pulmonary hypertension can lead to right ventricular failure, a serious type of heart failure.

It is vitally important that those who are at risk of having pulmonary hypertension or who are newly diagnosed get referred to a pulmonary hypertension specialist for the best possible care and treatment.

What is pulmonary hypertension (PH)?

Persistent or unexplained shortness of breath (especially upon exertion)
Fatigue/loss of energy
Swollen ankles and legs (also called edema)
Chest pain
Bluish lips, hands, and feet
Dizziness upon activity, including walking and climbing stairs
Fainting (also called syncope)

What are the symptoms of PH?

Pulmonary hypertension treatments focus on lowering the pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs (the pulmonary artery pressure, or PAP =), and improving the right ventricular-type of heart failure. Pulmonary hypertension-physicians prescribe medications alone or in combination to help alleviate the symptoms and slow the progression of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure. Once a combination of treatments is no longer effective, they may consider lung transplantation.

PHA Canada is committed to ensuring fair and equitable access to pulmonary hypertension medications for all Canadians. To find out more about our work advocating on behalf of the PH community, visit our Advocacy page.

More about Treatment

How is PH treated?

Quick Facts

Many Canadians with pulmonary hypertension spend two to three years seeking an accurate diagnosis. Alarmingly, without treatment, the average life expectancy of a person with PH is less than three years.

No cure currently exists for pulmonary hypertension, with the exception of CTEPH, which may be cured through surgery.

A number of treatments are approved in Canada to slow the progression of pulmonary hypertension and alleviate symptoms.

Centres specialized in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in adults and children are located throughout the country.

Pulmonary hypertension is an uncommon illness, but 400,000 Canadians will be affected in their lifetime. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease, affecting 2,000-4,000 Canadians.

Pulmonary hypertension can strike people of any age, sex, or social/ethnic background.

Pulmonary hypertension is often an invisible illness; people who have PH may not look sick, even though they are.

Pulmonary hypertension has significant financial, social, and emotional impacts on patients and their families.