What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION, or PH, is a disease affecting the arteries of the lungs.  It can strike anyone regardless of age, sex, social or ethnic background. In pulmonary hypertension (which means high blood pressure in the lungs), the arteries of the lungs become narrowed and scarred, which can result in almost complete closing of the arteries. People affected with this disease suffer from continuous high blood pressure in the lungs which results in an enlargement of the heart, and can lead to heart failure.

Some symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are: shortness of breath (especially with activity); bluish or purplish hands, feet and lips; swelling of hands and feet; light-headedness/dizziness, especially when climbing stairs or standing up; chest pain, especially with physical activity; feeling tired all the time; and sometimes even fainting.