About PH

Pulmonary Hypertension is a rare but potentially fatal lung disease in which the arteries of the lungs become closed off, or scarred, resulting in high blood pressure in the lungs. There is no cure.

The symptoms for all types of pulmonary hypertension may be similar, but the severity of the symptoms usually correlates with the progression of the disease.

• Breathlessness on exertion
• Chest pain (also called angina pectoris)
• Dizziness upon standing, climbing stairs, straightening up from a bent position, or even while just sitting
• Fainting (also called syncope)
• Loss of energy
• Swollen ankles and legs (also called edema)
• Depression
• Dry cough
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon (chalky white and/or dusky blue fingers that may be painful and can sometimes be provoked by the cold)

In advanced stages of pulmonary hypertension, minimal activity may produce some or all of these symptoms. Patients in advanced stages may experience irregular heartbeat, a racing pulse, passing out, and difficulty breathing at rest.

Although PH remains an incurable disease, since 1997, several treatments have been approved in Canada. Thanks to these treatments many patients live longer and healthier lives.