Methamphetamine use is a risk factor for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension, or Group 1 PH, which occurs when arteries in the lungs become narrow, thick or rigid. 

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Meth can be inhaled, smoked, snorted, taken orally, or injected.  

Meth use has been associated with heart disease. Meth use is also associated with an increase in lung diseases, such as acute bleeding of the lungs, excess fluid in the lungs, collapsed lungs and pulmonary hypertension. 

In PAH, the right side of the heart must work harder to push blood through the narrowed arteries. The extra stress can cause the heart to lose its ability to pump enough blood through the lungs to meet the needs of the rest of the body. 

Talking openly and honestly about all activities, including drug use, can help doctors determine a prognosis and treatment plan. In 2020, nearly 2.5 million Americans 12 and older reported using meth in the past year.  

Symptoms of PAH related to meth use include: 

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath with exertion
  • Swelling of the hands or feet

Information about drug use also helps researchers understand risk factors for this disease. For example, amphetamines are similar to diet pills like fenfluramine, which was part of the once-popular diet pill Fen-Phen. Fen-Phen is no longer available because of its potential link to PH and heart valve problems.  

Doctors who suspect PH can order any of these diagnostic tests:

  • Echocardiogram
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan
  • Natriuretic peptide tests
  • Right heart catheterization
Diagnosing Pulmonary Hypertension

Treatment options 

 There are no formal guidelines on the best approach to treat PAH associated with methamphetamine use. Physicians may use FDA-approved therapies for PAH to treat PAH associated with meth. Treatment approaches can vary depending on the physician or treatment center’s experience with PAH associated with methamphetamine use.  

All patients benefit from following simple, basic measures, such as paying attention to fluid balance and therapies that improve heart function. Those treatments can include supplemental oxygen, diuretics (water pills) and supervised cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs.  

A variety of medications have shown that they slow damage and relieve the symptoms of PAH. The medications are complex, so it’s important to consult a physician with knowledge and expertise in treating PAH, such as a specialist at a PHA-accredited PH Care Center.  

There also are several ongoing clinical trials to test the performance and safety of new PAH treatments.  

People who have stopped using methamphetamine have been observed to respond better to PAH treatment than those who continue to use drugs. However, scientific study on the subject is limited.  

Manage your PAH

  • Group 1: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    Group 1 pulmonary hypertension is also known as pulmonary arterial hypertension. PAH occurs when the arteries in the lungs narrow and stiffen, leading to increased pressure in the lungs.

  • Diagnosing Pulmonary Hypertension

    Common symptoms, many causes and a variety of tests can make pulmonary hypertension difficult to diagnose. Knowing what symptoms to look for and diagnostic tests that provide critical information can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

  • Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers

    PHA-accredited Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers improve outcomes and quality of care for people with PH. Find expert care by locating a center or specialist near you.

Download or order a brochure

Information on PH and Methamphetamine is one of a series of PH& brochures available to download as a PDF or to order as a printed brochure. 

PH & Meth