Pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, is a serious health condition where the lung’s arteries narrow down. As a result, blood cannot pass through easily, leading to high blood pressure in the organ. The symptoms include pain in the chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, etc. Unfortunately, PAH has no cure, and one can only manage the symptoms with treatment and therapy. This article lists seven critical things about pulmonary arterial hypertension.

1. The condition’s exact cause is unknown
It remains a mystery as to what causes the lungs’ arteries to narrow down. But what we do know is that the problem can develop or progress due to psychological changes. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is diagnosed when the average pressure of blood flowing through the arteries in the right side of the heart is 25 mmHg or higher.

2. The condition has different types|
Pulmonary arterial hypertension can be classified into three primary types based on the cause:

• Heritable PAH : the condition is inherited due to a mutation in a protein receptor responsible for tissue growth. Around six percent of cases are inherited.
• Idiopathic PAH : there is no cause or contributing factor known about the disease. Most cases are of this type.
• Associated PAH : the problem is triggered due to accompanying health issues.

3. PAH is more common in women
The two forms of the condition – idiopathic and heritable – are twice more common in women than men. Even in women, the disease is prevalent in those between 30 and 60. It is unclear why women are at a higher risk; some theories say that estrogen changes during pregnancy and autoimmune disorders have a role.

4. The condition is not easy to diagnose
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is rare. Therefore, when a patient visits a doctor and complains of symptoms like breathlessness and exhaustion, the first tests recommended are to check for asthma and heart problems. Although a plausible approach, doing so can delay the diagnosis of the real problem.

5. There is no cure
There might not be any drug to cure the condition, but the prognosis is way better today than a couple of decades ago. Several biological mechanisms can have a role to play in the working of the blood vessels. So, when diagnosed with the condition, patients are given drugs that target these biological mechanisms.

6. The first PAH patient was diagnosed in 1981
The first time a person was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension was in 1981 in Germany. Doctors were baffled as the autopsy showed narrowing of the lungs’ arteries but no other problems that could have triggered it. Since the treatment options were limited back then, the patient did not survive.

7. PAH can go undetected for a long time
Since the symptoms for PAH, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, exhaustion, etc., can be mistaken for other, less serious health problems, patients may be reluctant to get themselves tested. As a result, the disease can continue to progress and lead to complications.