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 PH than others.
Are you wondering what puts someone at risk of getting pulmonary hypertension? Watch and share our video explaining PH risk factors and spread PH awareness of your life in purple. Watch all videos here >
In most cases, PH 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 PH.
Click on any of the below to download an informational hand-out with more details about risks related to PH. Conditions that increase your risk of developing PH include:
​
Associated Conditions
Risk Factors
Family History: When two or more immediate family members (parent, sibling, child) have PAH or a family member is known to have a PAH-causing gene mutation.
Gender: Idiopathic (IPAH) and familial PAH (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 PAH, are more common in women.
Altitude: The level of oxygen in air declines with increasing altitude, especially over 8,000 feet (over 2,400 meters). Living at a high altitude for years can make you more susceptible to PH. Travel at high altitudes can aggravate PH.
Many other medical conditions may also cause PH. 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 PH 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 PE are at risk of a type of PH called CTEPH. Obesity increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). Both OSA and OHS can cause PH.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of developing PH, and 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 PE are at risk of a type of PH called CTEPH. Pregnancy itself may also increase the risk of a woman developing PAH. Most commonly, a woman who already has PAH—whether diagnosed or undiagnosed—may experience more severe symptoms (than before they were pregnant) and more rapid disease progression. This is why PAH is sometimes diagnosed during pregnancy.
Drugs & Toxins: Certain drugs are known to cause pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These include drugs of abuse (methamphetamine, cocaine). Medical drugs can also cause PAH, including certain diet drugs, and chemotherapy for cancer.
In some patients, there is no known cause for PH. These patients are diagnosed with idiopathic PAH.