What a difference a year makes. In 2020, more than half of the top PHA News stories were related to COVID-19. This year, only two of the top stories address the pandemic.
Most of the top PHA News stories in 2021 were treatment or research related. Other top stories included first-person accounts of perseverance and hope from people with pulmonary hypertension (PH). We’ve included links to the top stories in case you missed them the first time around:
A generic form of Remodulin is available for to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) subcutaneously, thanks to a new medication cartridge. The new cartridge became available May 21.
People with Group 3 PH associated with interstitial lung disease now have a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment option. Tyvaso is the first FDA-approved treatment for Group 3 PH, which is caused by chronic lung disease or low oxygen levels.
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) in February published “Navigating Pulmonary Hypertension: A Guide for Newly Diagnosed Patients.” The 60-page book covers diagnosis, treatment and resources for help in the first weeks, months or years after PH diagnosis. The free guide includes checklists, resources and questions to ask doctors. Those new to PH can order free copies online, by email or by phone at 301-565-3004.
The summer issue of Pathlight magazine focuses on PH research. This issue of PHA’s member magazine focuses on research advancements, technology innovations and the importance of patient participation in clinical trials and studies. In the cover story, “Innovation for an Independent Life,” software developer and entrepreneur Shavini Fernando discusses her PH journey and the wearable device she invented to continuously monitor oxygen saturation.
In February, PHA joined the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to mark American Heart Month, which promotes heart health and encourages people to reduce their risk of heart disease. CEO Matt Granato shared links to PHA resources, including a free brochure about PH and congenital heart disease and a video on Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension linked to left heart disease.
Wendy McBride says her life changed for the better after her January 2020 PH diagnosis. She learned to cope through diet, exercise and a quit-feeling-sorry-for-yourself attitude. She uncovered a strength she never knew she had, enrolling in classes at age 45 to finish an English degree.
In January, Matt Granato introduced himself as PHA’s third president and CEO. He discussed his vision for the association, staff and PH community as PHA celebrated its 30th anniversary and the launch of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.
In this story, we discussed the then-latest guidance about masking and vaccines. Discover additional guidance at PHA’s COVID-19 FAQ for the PH Community and PHA’s COVID-19 Vaccines, Testing and Treatment FAQ.
Diane Ramirez was 24 in 1987 when she was diagnosed with PAH. At the time, there were fewer than 200 known cases and no treatment. Diane, a member of the PHA board of trustees, shared her story in Pathlight magazine. Our award-winning December 2020 issue launched the PHA’s 30th anniversary with stories of the association’s early years, the journeys of long-time survivors and advances in pulmonary hypertension (PH) research.
The February issue of Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension addresses the effects of COVID-19 on PH and the medical community. Advances is the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s quarterly peer-reviewed clinical journal. Volume 20, Issue 1, includes articles on health disparities, telehealth and the pandemic’s affect on PH clinical trials.
