Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, also known as PAH, is a condition where individuals suffer from high blood pressure in the arteries connected between the heart and lungs. This high blood pressure is not the same as the typical blood pressure that affects most individuals.

When it comes to PAH, it is usually caused by narrow or blocked arteries, which makes it difficult for the blood to flow. This difficulty leads to higher blood pressure as the heart works harder to pump blood to meet the body’s requirements.

PAH is a life-threatening condition and can affect individuals across the globe. Without the right diagnosis and eventual treatment, the condition can get worse over a period of time.

Symptoms of PAH
Many individuals who suffer from PAH may not notice that they have this condition. This is only because PAH does not usually have many initial symptoms. One of the early signs that you should keep an eye out for is shortness of breath. When this symptom is caused due to almost little to no physical activity, one should get in touch with their doctor.

This shortness of breath can get worse over time and lead to other signs and symptoms. Other symptoms include:

1. Chest pain that is caused due to immense pressure in the chest

2. Excessive tiredness or fatigue

3. Dizziness or fainting spells also known as syncope

4. Swelling in the ankles and legs known as edema, and pain in the abdomen also known as ascites

5. Bluish colored ting to the lips and even skin

6. Heart palpitations and even racing of the heart

Causes of PAH
When it comes to what causes PAH, we need to understand that this condition can be triggered for different reasons in different individuals. But, to help with the diagnosis, PAH is classified into five broad categories based on possible causes.

1. Group 1: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
PAH, when caused due to unknown factors, is known as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. It can also be caused due to genetic mutations, as a side effect of prescription or illegal medication, such as methamphetamines. Other causes of group 1 PAH include birth-related heart troubles, such as congenital heart disease.

2. Group 2: PAH caused due to left-sided heart diseases
When it comes to group 2 PAH, this type is typically triggered due to left-sided heart valve diseases, such as the mitral valve or aortic valve diseases. This can also be caused due to the failure of the lower left heart chamber.

3. Group 3: PAH caused due to lung disease
Lung diseases are the common cause of group 3 PAH. These diseases include COPD that is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, obstructive sleep apnea, and even long-term exposure to higher altitudes.

4. Group 4 and 5:
Group 4 PAH is caused due to chronic blood clots, and group 5 PAH can be caused due to other health conditions. It is important to know that there are many risk factors involved when it comes to the development of PAH. Unfortunately, there is no sure way to avoid the development of this condition. But, there are things that can be done to reduce the risk.