- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries in the lungs.
- In PAH, the small arteries in the lungs narrow and may eventually become blocked. As a result, the heart must work harder to pump the blood through them. Over time, the overworked heart muscle becomes weak and loses its ability to pump enough blood to the lungs.
- PAH is called primary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PPAH) when there is no known cause. Secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension (SPAH) refers to PAH that is caused by or occurs with another condition—usually heart or lung disease.
- Certain factors to increase your chances of developing PAH, including use of diet drugs, such as fen-phen and redux, cocaine abuse and the presence of other diseases such as HIV infection, scleroderma, and liver disease.
- PPAH may be caused by a gene abnormality.
- Common symptoms of PAH include difficulty breathing, fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, swelling in the ankles or legs, bluish lips and skin, chest pain, and palpitations.
- PAH is often misdiagnosed initially because its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions affecting the heart and lungs, and those conditions must be ruled out. Tests that can help confirm a PAH diagnosis include electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, and cardiac catheterization.
- Right heart catheterization is the most accurate method to obtain a precise measure of the blood pressure in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary artery. It is necessary to confirm suspected PPAH.
- Treatments for PAH include anticoagulants, calcium channel blockers, continuous intravenous epoprostenol (prostacyclin and other forms of prostacyclin), new drugs (Bosentan), and sildenafil.
- Surgery to replace one or both diseased lungs with healthy lungs from a human donor may help some people with PAH.
- Relaxation exercises, stress reduction activities, and adoption of a positive attitude can help PAH patients keep up with their normal activities. Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, and not smoking are also recommended.
- Ongoing medical care, usually by a cardiologist or pulmonologist specializing in pulmonary vascular medicine, is very important.
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If you or a loved one has developed PAH / PPH after taking diet drugs, please contact us below to see if you are eligible for financial compensation