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. 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.

It is estimated that between 2,000 and 5,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, but as many as 10,000 may be affected by the condition.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with, or is being evaluated for, pulmonary hypertension, there is a lot you will want to know about the disease.

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may include:

• Breathlessness or shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Feeling tired all the time
• Light-headedness, especially when climbing stairs or standing up
• Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen
• Chest pain, especially during physical activity
• Fainting

Take a look at these pages to learn more about:

• Who gets PH?
• What is happening to my body when I have PH (or, the science behind pulmonary hypertension)?
• How is PH diagnosed?
• What are the treatment options for PH?
• Where are centres and physicians specialising in the treatment of PH located?