Meth-associated PAH care gaps: closing the divide
- Robyn Kalda
- Jun 23
- 1 min read
We know methamphetamine use is associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but this population's care needs haven't been studied. Dr. Anjali Vaidya and her team in the US interviewed patients with methamphetamine-associated PAH and presented a poster at the recent American Thoracic Society Conference.
They found that stigma affected clinical encounters for this very vulnerable population. Other critical issues included delayed diagnosis, insufficient patient education, and barriers to accessing PAH specialists, mental health supports, and substance use treatment.
This article highlights the critical care gaps in meth-associated PAH and the importance of closing those divides. Addressing these gaps is essential for improving outcomes for individuals affected by such conditions. Similarly, at the Canadian Centre for Addiction, the importance of providing comprehensive care and addressing all aspects of addiction recovery cannot be overstated. Closing gaps in care and offering support across all levels is the key to creating a more effective system. It’s inspiring to see both the healthcare and addiction recovery fields pushing for meaningful improvements that can truly make a difference in people’s lives.