Orillia, Ontario (November 2, 2022)PHA Canada to amplify the voices of Canadians living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) this November for Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month. PH is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition affecting thousands of Canadians. PHA Canada’s annual campaign seeks to educate healthcare professionals and the public on the signs, symptoms, and risks associated with PH and improve access to appropriate treatment and support.
Celebrated annually throughout the month of November, PH Awareness Month is an international event that raises awareness of PH, a severe and potentially fatal condition that affects the lungs and heart. Globally, people affected by PH unite to raise awareness of the condition and the need for early diagnosis, effective and accessible treatments, and—ultimately—a cure. PH is a rare disease that affects over 25 million people worldwide, including up to 10,000 Canadians.
This November, PHA Canada will launch a social media campaign to raise awareness of this potentially fatal disease among healthcare professionals and the public, including those at an increased risk of PH. Without appropriate treatment, the average life expectancy of a person with PH is less than three years. Yet, many Canadians continue to take more than two years to be accurately diagnosed with PH. The campaign will educate people on the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with PH and provide resources for healthcare providers on the diagnosis and management of PH. PHA Canada will also use PH Awareness Month to amplify the voices of Canadians living with PH and their families and caregivers, bringing to life the significant impacts that PH has on the daily lives of Canadian families affected PH.
Vanda McLean was diagnosed in 2016 with Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), a rare disease characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure with no apparent cause. “I was diagnosed with IPAH in 2016 and forced to end my career within a year when my PH made walking too difficult. In 2019 I started full-time oxygen and learned an exercise routine that was safe for my condition, which helped improve my heart. Living with PAH has not been easy. Having access to proper treatment and support, however, has helped stabilize my health and allowed me, with proper planning, to travel across Canada to see my daughter again.” says Vanda.
Released in May 2022, The Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension on Canadians is a summary report from the 2021 Canadian PH Community survey and highlights the impact of PH on patients and families.
70% of patients reported that their primary care provider/family doctor did not initially recognize their symptoms as possibly indicating PH
More than half (52%) of patients and caregivers feel isolated and excluded from society because PH is not a 'visible' disease
“The 2021 Canadian PH Community Survey results confirmed the substantial physical, and emotional toll pulmonary hypertension takes on a person and their family. Raising awareness of the lived experiences of those affected by pulmonary hypertension and its full impact on their lives can help drive progress toward improved diagnosis time, access to treatment and support services, and a better quality of life for those affected by pulmonary hypertension.” says Nicole Dempsey, Chair of PHA Canada’s Board of Directors.
Learn more about November PH Awareness Month and the events taking place in November at: phacanada.ca/lifeinpurple
Background
About Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare and very complex lung disease which is progressive and potentially fatal. PH is defined by high blood pressure in the lungs, which leads to enlargement and weakness of the right side of the heart—a serious type of heart failure. PH can strike anyone regardless of age, sex, or social/ethnic background. While there is currently no cure for PH, many patients are living longer, healthier lives thanks to available treatments.
About the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada (PHA Canada)
PHA Canada is a federally registered charity whose mission is to empower the Canadian pulmonary hypertension community through support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research. Since 2008, PHA Canada has brought together pulmonary hypertension patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to better the lives of Canadians affected by PH and represent a united national PH community.
For more information, please visit phacanada.ca.
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