Free event offers education about pulmonary hypertension from local medical experts and networking opportunities for those with PH and their caregivers.

Silver Spring, Md. (Sept 26, 2019) – The PHA on the Road Education Forum brings local medical experts and members of the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community to the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center in Kansas City, Kan., on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a day of education, support and networking.

PH, or high blood pressure in the lungs, is a complex, deadly and often misunderstood disease that affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. There is no cure, and it is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms—such as shortness of breath and fatigue—can mirror that of other, more common diseases like asthma. The good news is that advances in treatment and a better understanding of PH have led to effective therapies, better quality of life and improved survival for many types of PH, once diagnosed. Sadly, delays in accurate diagnosis may cause irreversible damage to the right heart, which must work harder to pump blood into the lungs.

PHA on the Road features a slate of interactive sessions presented by local medical experts that help attendees learn more about the condition, manage the unique day-to-day challenges those with the condition face and navigate issues such as health insurance coverage.

“Pulmonary hypertension is such a difficult and challenging disease for patients. The symptoms can be debilitating and the treatments complex. PHA on the Road is a fantastic opportunity for patients, family and caregivers to learn more about their disease process from experts in the field as well as meet others with the same condition,” says Leslie Spikes, M.D., and co-chair of the PHA on the Road planning committee. “Education is empowerment!  I encourage everyone to join us in Kansas City on Oct. 12.”

The event includes support group sessions for those with the condition, including those newly diagnosed and caregivers. These groups provide a unique, safe forum where people can talk openly and discover the larger PH community in Kansas City and surrounding areas.

For more information about the event, please visit PHAssociation.org/OntheRoad/KansasCity. Members of the media are welcome to attend.

About the Pulmonary Hypertension Association

Headquartered in Silver Spring, Md., the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) is the country’s leading pulmonary hypertension (PH) organization. PHA’s mission is to extend and improve the lives of those affected by PH. PHA empowers patients, caregivers, families, health care professionals and researchers worldwide through support, advocacy and awareness, education, quality care, and research programs. For more information, visit www.PHAssociation.org and connect with PHA on Twitter and Instagram @PHAssociation and on Facebook at facebook.com/PulmonaryHypertensionAssociation.

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Contact: Noel Lloyd
PHA Communications
communications@phassociation.org
202-370-7852