Why Early Diagnosis of PAH is So Important

(StatePoint) Each year, 500 to 1,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Because this progressive, chronic disorder is rare, it is often under-detected, causing delayed diagnosis with a potentially significant impact on people living with the disease. November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month.

To raise awareness and provide resources about PAH with a goal of speeding the path to diagnosis and understanding treatment options, the American Lung Association, with support from Merck, is sharing the following facts and insights: What is PAH? Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a specific type of pulmonary hypertension caused when the tiny arteries in the lung become thickened and narrowed. This blocks blood flow through the lungs, raising the blood pressure in the lungs and causing the heart to work harder. In the early stages of PAH, it is possible a patient may not notice any symptoms at all.

As the disease progresses, they will start to experience symptoms common to other lung diseases. The most common symptoms include: • Increased shortness of breath • Fatigue • Swelling of the feet, legs and eventually, the abdomen and neck • Dizziness and fainting spells • Chest pain • Heart palpitations (racing or pounding) • Lips and fingers turning blue • Cough • Hoarseness Why is early diagnosis important? Left untreated, PAH will progress and is deadly. The path to diagnosis can be long, frustrating and difficul.