ABOUT PH
Risk Factors
People of all ages, races, and backgrounds can be diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, certain associated conditions and risk factors can make some people more likely to get pulmonary hypertension than others.
Are you wondering what puts someone at risk of getting pulmonary hypertension? Watch and share our video explaining pulmonary hypertension risk factors and spread awareness of your life in purple. Watch all videos here >
In most cases, pulmonary hypertension is associated with another medical condition that may trigger the development of PH in the lungs. If you are currently living with one of the conditions listed below, be sure to ask your doctor about your risks of developing pulmonary hypertension.
Conditions that increase your risk of developing pulmonary hypertension include:
​
Associated Conditions
Risk Factors
Family History: When two or more immediate family members (parent, sibling, child) have pulmonary arterial hypertension or a family member is known to have a PAH-causing gene mutation.
Gender: Idiopathic (IPAH) and familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (FPAH) are at least 2.5 times more common in women than in men. Many connective-tissue diseases (scleroderma, lupus), which are important causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension, are more common in women.
Altitude: The level of oxygen in air declines with increasing altitude, especially over 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). Living at a high altitude for years can make you more susceptible to pulmonary hypertension. Travel at high altitudes can aggravate PH.
Many other medical conditions may also cause pulmonary hypertension. The most common conditions include heart disease and lung disease, as well as connective tissue disease. Less commonly, PH can also be associated with blood disease, liver disease, and infections.
Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for pulmonary hypertension and can cause PH through several mechanisms. It is often associated with heart disease (high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart failure), which is a common cause of PH. It also increases the risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) and in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE). Patients with pulmonary embolisms are at risk of a type of pulmonary hypertension called CTEPH. Obesity increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome, both of which can cause pulmonary hypertension.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, and of being diagnosed with PH. Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) and in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE). Patients with pulmonary embolisms are at risk of a type of pulmonary hypertension called CTEPH. Pregnancy itself may also increase the risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension. Most commonly, someone who already has pulmonary arterial hypertension—whether diagnosed or undiagnosed—may experience more severe symptoms during pregnancy and more rapid disease progression. This is why PAH is sometimes diagnosed during pregnancy.
Drugs: Certain drugs are known to cause pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These include recreational stimulants (methamphetamine, cocaine), certain diet drugs, and chemotherapy for cancer.
In some patients, there is no known cause for pulmonary arterial hypertension. These patients are diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.