For Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association continues the tradition of spreading PH awareness by sharing resources and activities for everyone to participate in throughout November.

This year’s theme, “Let Your Light Shine,” highlights the dedication and impactful actions of the PH community to raise awareness, advocate for better care and provide support for those with PH through various efforts, including advocacy, volunteering, fundraising and education. Participate in PH Awareness Month and let your light shine by sharing PH resources, advocating for the PH community, volunteering your time, fundraising and spreading the word on social media.

Here are key activities occurring during PH Awareness month:

  • On Wednesday, Nov. 13, join us for a PHA Live Webinar, “Spotlight on Innovative Projects in PH,” at 2 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. UTC. Hear from recent PHA research grant recipients as they share groundbreaking studies that are expanding our understanding of pulmonary hypertension and paving the way for new treatments. Learn about their progress, discoveries and the potential impact their work could have on improving the lives of those living with PH. Register now.
  • Check out our toolkit for resources, including a customizable press release, social media profile and cover images, infographics, downloadable fact sheets and flyers, and other elements you can use to raise awareness throughout November.

History

PHA organized the first national PH Awareness Week in November 1997. Members and supporters were encouraged to wear PH ribbons, hold support group meetings or social gatherings and contact local media to share stories about PH. These efforts resulted in several newspaper articles highlighting individual patients and their experiences. Health care providers also spoke at support group meetings to raise awareness further.

Since then, PH Awareness Week has evolved into PH Awareness Month. Every November, PHA offers resources and programming to raise awareness of this complex, life-threatening condition. PHA continues to lead the effort today, providing resources to engage the PH community and educate the public about pulmonary hypertension.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

PH is a progressive lung condition in which patients experience high blood pressure in their lungs. Arteries in the lungs of people with PH can become damaged, narrowed or stiff, putting pressure on the right side of the heart and causing it to work extra hard to push blood through those arteries. This in turn can cause right heart failure and death.

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Pulmonary hypertension quick facts

PH affects people of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds. Although anyone can be diagnosed with PH, there are risk factors that make some people more likely to develop the condition. 

The symptoms of PH can be mistaken for other diseases. The most common symptoms of PH also can be caused by other more common medical problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. People who think they may have PH should get a diagnosis from a PH specialist. 

Not all PH is the same. There are five groups of PH based on different causes. People with PH can experience shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, heart palpitations or edema (swelling). Common symptoms associated with all types of PH (the numbers below are reported for pulmonary arterial hypertension) include: 

Brown LM, et al. Chest. 2011;140(1):19-26

There is no cure for PH, but there are treatments that can manage PH and help patients feel better. In the following video, Javier Jimenez, MD, PhD, FACC, shares how pulmonary hypertension can be treated. 

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