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 Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a simplified name for a complex health problem continuous high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery in the lung, resulting in an enlarged heart which can also lose its ability to pump. It is a disease that affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds although some people are more prone to developing PH. - PH is broken down into two main categories.
- PH which occurs as a separate entity, either sporadically or due to genetic inheritance.
- PH which occurs as part of other illnesses including scleroderma, sickle cell anemia, lupus, chronic liver disease, and HIV - or use of diet drugs such as Fen-phen.
Diagnosis & Symptoms - PH is often not recognized until the disease is quite advanced.
- PH is often not diagnosed in a timely manner because its early symptoms can often be attributed to those of many other conditions. Some of the symptoms of PH include:
Chest Pain Low energy Swollen ankles and legs Breathlessness Dizziness and fainting Bluish lips and skin - These symptoms may seem common and simple, but they severely impair a PH patient's ability to lead a normal life. Simple activities like walking, dressing oneself, and cleaning can become difficult to perform. Thus, a normal, healthy-looking individual might be incapable of some basic functions due to PH.
- Although there are over 100,000 people known to suffer from PH, there may be thousands of other whose symptoms have yet to be diagnosed. Many people may have PH without knowing it or are misdiagnosed with illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis, delaying them the proper treatment.
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Cleveland Inner-City PH Support Group is focused on providing support to patients and family member who are living with PH. - we will do everything we can to help you and your family members understand Pulmonary Hypertension by getting you all the information that is needed to help make this journey of yours a well understandable one. In our group there are people who are or has been in the place where you are now. PH Patients who can answered some of your questions. Our support group will keep you up on all the treatments that are available for PH patients.
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Misunderstood & Under-Diagnosed The severity of PH is not recognized by many insurance companies, employers, or others who associate PH with the more common systemic high blood pressure instead of a distinct grave illness. PH is often misdiagnosed as asthma, congestive heart disease, or chronic bronchitis. PH patients visit a n average of three doctors before being correctly diagnosed with PH.
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 PH affects people in the prime of their lives. The typical profile of a PHpatient is a woman in her childbearing years though the illness can affect people of any gender or age. An estimated 50% of patients survive five years or more from diagnosis.
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