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
How can you help?
1. 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.
If there is an illumination in your city, please take pictures, send them to us and share them on social media. You can also 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 #WorldPHDay #PHCommunity.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
2. The Socio-Economic Burden of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
PHA Canada and Canadian VIGOUR Centre have conducted a survey on the socio-economic burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The findings reveal significant disruptions to quality of life and major medical and socioeconomic consequences for PAH patients.
We will publish the report on May 5th, for World PH Day. Read the report and share it to raise awareness of the impact of PAH.
3. Participate in the Fight For Our Lives Campaign
Despite promises of $1.4 billion for rare disease drugs, not a cent has been utilized. With countless Canadians facing prolonged waits for diagnosis and treatment, urgent action is needed.
Send a message to your MP and provincial representative today at fightforourlives.ca
Confirmed illuminations and proclamations for World PH Day 2024:
Illuminations:
- Vancouver City Hall
- Vancouver Burrard Bridge
- Victoria City Hall
- Victoria BC Legislature buildings
- Victoria BC Legislature Fountain
- Whistler Fitzsimmons Covered Bridge
- Calgary Tower
- Edmonton High Level Bridge
- Edmonton Tower, One Properties
- Fort Erie Peace Bridge
- Burlington Beacon on the Pier
- Hamilton Sign
- Toronto CN Tower
- Sherbrooke City Hall
- St. John's Government House
Proclamations:
- Victoria
- Nanaimo
- Prince George
- Whistler
- Regina
- Saskatchewan Government
View World PH Day photos and media coverage from past years: