Many health awareness campaigns around the world attribute the progression of diseases to environmental and lifestyle factors; however, genetics is often forgotten. For many diseases, a patient’s genetics is an important biological driver. Genetics is a branch of biology focusing on genes, heredity and genetic variation. All of these combine to explain how traits and diseases can be passed from parents to their children through DNA. In a consensus report summarizing the 7th

In 2023, the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI) launched a Pulmonary Hypertension Global Patient Survey. The first global survey of those living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and their caregivers, it aimed to help clinicians better understand the impacts of pulmonary hypertension on patients. Pulmonary hypertension affects people of all ages, genders and demographics, so a truly global response is required. As the only global pulmonary vascular disease charity, t

This week, October 18th to 24th, marks Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week. When we think of disability, we often imagine wheelchairs, casts or another visible cue. But not every disease comes with a visible sign; there may not be an obvious sign telling the world that someone is fighting hard to get through the day. Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a prime example. On the surface, a person living with PH may look completely healthy, but inside, their heart and lungs are fi

PHocus study succeeds The PHocus study, a Phase 2 trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the new drug mosliciguat for pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease. (PH-ILD), reported good results. After 16 weeks of taking mosliciguat, participants’ pulmonary vascular resistance dropped by over half, their six-minute walk distance increased by 35m, and their NTproBNP level also dropped by half. Based on these very encouraging results, Pulmovant be

October 13 is World Thrombosis Day A thrombosis is a blood clot inside a blood vessel, and October 13 is World Thrombosis Day, a global campaign to raise awareness of blood clots and their risk factors. This year’s campaign highlights women’s blood clot risks throughout life, including those associated with hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause. Blood clots can have serious consequences, including pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a clot blocks blood flow in the lung

October 10 is World Mental Health Day When we talk about pulmonary hypertension (PH), we often focus on symptoms, medications, side effects, and medical appointments, but taking care of yourself when you have PH means looking after more than your physical symptoms. Your mental health matters, too. Acknowledging the emotional impact of PH tells a more complete story. Talking openly about mental health helps normalize the emotional challenges that can come with a chronic illnes

Along with the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF) and the Canadian Thoracic Society, PHA Canada adds our voice in support of patients affected by pulmonary fibrosis. September is Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a disease involving inflammation and scarring of the lungs. As the scarring progresses, the lungs become less able to deliver oxygen to the body, making breathing increasingly difficult. PF is one

In 2025, the USA announced that it would “end global freeloading” of drug prices, reporting that despite having less than 5% of the world’s population, US citizens pay so much more for their drugs that they make up about ¾ of worldwide pharmaceutical profits. Canadians, along with people from other countries, have paid less—sometimes much less—for our drugs because pharmaceutical companies could get a good return on their research investments from the USA. The “Most Favoured

Back in March, we noted that Gossamer Bio’s phase 3 clinical trial of seralutinib (a drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease) didn’t meet its primary endpoint, causing a steep drop in its stock price. The study had some promising results: it showed a potentially good response to seralutinib, but some locations had an unusually good response to the placebo, which may have affected the analysis. Despite the s

Only 29% of physicians can share patient information outside their practice. Less than half (47%) of Canadians have accessed their own electronic health records. This disconnect has real consequences: duplicated tests, delayed diagnoses, and prescriptions without a full picture. Bill S-5 can help fix this: It prohibits practices that lock patient information in systems that can’t communicate with each other. It requires common standards for health information sharing. This le

July 24 is International Self-Care Day There is a lot of information out there about the importance of self-care. Self-care is a buzzword that often gets thrown out and there are a lot of misconceptions about what it is and what it isn’t. As the Canadian Mental Health Association outlines, self-care is the act of caring for ourselves to enhance our well-being. Often what comes to mind when we think of this is spa days, or meditation, or going for a massage. While these can al

When I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension in December 2018, I was too sick to try any other medicine than the IV pump. And though it saved my life and gifted me with a few more precious years, I can’t help but think about the circumstances that allowed for that solution to be sustainable, at least for a little while. I lived with someone. I had family close by. I had dexterity in my limbs and the mental function to handle the logistics of everything that came with the

If you’re in central Canada, chances are you’re feeling the heat, as cities hit all-time record high temperatures. The Heart and Stroke Foundation reminds people with heart conditions, such as Type 2 PH, and those taking diuretics or calcium channel blockers, that heat can be particularly dangerous for them. The job of diuretics, of course, is to get rid of fluid, so in extreme heat, this may lead to dehydration. And because they relax arteries, calcium channel blockers may l

July is Disability Pride Month The current design of the Disability Pride flag (shown as this post's image) dates from 2021, and each element has a meaning: All six flag colors: Disability spans borders between nations Black background: Mourning for victims of ableist violence and abuse Diagonal Band: Cutting across the walls and barriers that separate disabled people from society Red Stripe: Physical disabilities Gold Stripe: Neurodivergence White Stripe: Invisible and undia

PHA Canada was delighted to note Dr. Stephen Archer’s name in a list of Order of Canada appointees. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada on June 26. As the Governor General’s website says, “Stephen Archer is an internationally acclaimed cardiologist. His seminal discoveries in pulmonary arterial hypertension and its underlying mechanisms have led to novel therapies and improved patient care. He has influenced important health care initiatives, including the creati

On June 29, along with our partner organization Scleroderma Canada and many others, we mark World Scleroderma Day. Scleroderma is a progressive autoimmune disorder that causes skin and internal organs to harden and thicken. It can cause scarring in the lungs and in the arteries of the lungs, affecting oxygen absorption. Each year about 1% of people with scleroderma develop pulmonary arterial hypertension, so there are many people with both scleroderma and pulmonary hypertensi

Talking about end-of-life decisions is never easy, but it’s an important conversation many in our community grapple with. A decade ago, Canada legalized medical assistance in dying (MAID). Since then, MAID has transformed end-of-life choice and care for thousands of people across the country. To mark this important milestone, our friends at Dying With Dignity Canada have released a new report examining public attitudes toward MAID. In the spring, PHA Canada invited Dying W

June 3 is Clean Air Day in Canada Air quality in Canada is relatively good, but anyone with pulmonary hypertension (PH) will be aware that air quality affects our health. Air pollution from humans burning fossil fuels for transportation, home heating and cooking, and in industry is significant, but due to climate change, air pollution from dust, pollen, and wildfires is also increasing. For people with pulmonary hypertension, air quality is especially important. On World Pulm

In Canada and around the world, June is recognized as Men’s Health Month. Men often delay seeking medical care and discussing symptoms openly, so this month, there is a heavy emphasis on encouraging men to seek support and get checked for any health concerns. The same pattern of delay in seeking medical care is also seen with pulmonary hypertension (PH), which mostly affects women. Despite the increased incidence of pulmonary hypertension in females, studies suggest that men

The Canadian Rare Disease Network (PHA Canada is a member) has launched a national scholarship supporting youth living with rare diseases to pursue post-secondary education in Canada. People between 17 and 29 years old, with any rare disease, are eligible. Scholarships are up to $5,000 for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students. There's an information webinar on May 27—register here—and applications close June 12, 2026, at 5 pm Eastern time. See the CRDN w