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Patient education

Pulmonary Hypertension

PAH and other forms of PH

An overview of pulmonary hypertension, the major PH groups, PAH education and treatment options.

PATIENT GUIDE

Overview

Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart.

In one form of pulmonary hypertension, tiny arteries in your lungs, called pulmonary arterioles, and capillaries become narrowed, blocked or destroyed. This makes it harder for blood to flow through your lungs, and raises pressure within your lungs’ arteries. As the pressure builds, your heart’s lower right chamber (right ventricle) must work harder to pump blood through your lungs, eventually causing your heart muscle to weaken and fail.

Some forms of pulmonary hypertension are serious conditions that become progressively worse and are sometimes fatal. Although some forms of pulmonary hypertension aren’t curable, treatment can help lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Illustration comparing normal lung circulation with changes that can cause pulmonary hypertension

Source: Mayo Clinic

PATIENT GUIDE

Types of pulmonary hypertension

There are many types of pulmonary hypertension. They have very different origins and very different treatments. It is important to know which kind of pulmonary hypertension you have.

Chart showing five major types of pulmonary hypertension
PATIENT GUIDE

PAH education brochure

Insights on PAH brochure

This brochure offers easy-to-understand information on PAH, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Open the Insights on PAH brochure

PATIENT GUIDE

PAH medications

PAH medications work through several different pathways. The links below take you either to a MedEd Center V2 page or, where MedEd does not currently host a sponsored page, to a verified manufacturer resource.

PDE5 inhibitors

sGC agonist

Endothelin receptor antagonists

Prostacyclins

Prostacyclin receptor agonist