When your lungs’ arteries become narrow and stiff, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through them — that’s pulmonary arterial hypertension, a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries between the heart and lungs. Also known as PAH, it’s not just regular high blood pressure — it’s a rare, progressive disease that can lead to right heart failure if left untreated.
PAH doesn’t come with obvious warning signs at first. People often blame fatigue or shortness of breath on being out of shape, but if you’re getting winded from simple tasks like walking to the mailbox or climbing stairs, and it keeps getting worse, it could be your lungs’ blood vessels tightening up. It’s more common in women, and it can be linked to genetics, autoimmune diseases like scleroderma, or even certain medications. Unlike general high blood pressure, PAH doesn’t show up on a standard blood pressure cuff — it needs a right heart catheterization to confirm.
Doctors look for signs like swollen ankles, chest pain, dizziness, and blue lips — all clues your heart is struggling. Treatments have come a long way. Today, we have targeted drugs like vasodilators that open up those narrowed arteries, reducing strain on the heart. Some are taken orally, others inhaled or infused. Lifestyle changes matter too — avoiding high altitudes, staying active within limits, and managing stress can help slow progression. But there’s no cure yet, and early diagnosis is everything.
The articles below cover related conditions and treatments that often overlap with PAH — from drug interactions that can worsen symptoms, to how supplements might affect heart function, and what to watch for when managing chronic lung or heart conditions. You’ll find real-world advice on navigating medications, spotting red flags, and understanding how your body responds under pressure — literally.
