Pulmonary arterial hypertension
How CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy® can help
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare condition that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the lungs. If you’ve been diagnosed, you can live a long, active life with the right treatment and medications.
What is pulmonary arterial hypertension?¹-²
PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the lungs. This is due to damaged, narrowed arteries that restrict the amount of blood flowing from the heart to the lungs.
PAH can affect people of all ages, but it’s most common in adults between 30–60. Women are also more likely than men to develop PAH.
There’s a number of different causes of PAH, including:
- Genetics
- Use of illicit drugs or substances
- Congenital heart disease
- Other medical conditions, including HIV, liver disease and connective tissue disorders
Some people develop PAH with no known risk factors or causes. This type of PAH is called idiopathic PAH.
Without treatment, PAH causes the right side of the heart to work much harder. Over time, this can lead to right-sided heart failure, along with other complications.
PAH symptoms can be mild at first, but they tend to progress over time. The rate of the disease’s progression varies from patient to patient. It’s important to meet with your doctor to test for PAH if you’re experiencing common symptoms such as:¹
- Chest pain
- Fainting or light-headedness
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
There is no cure for PAH, but medications are available to help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. These treatment options will vary with each patient’s needs. CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy offers medications to treat PAH, as directed by your prescriber.
Getting involved with your community
Whether it’s learning more about the condition, joining a support group or contributing to message boards, you can make a difference for others living with PAH.
Specialists who work remotely to support you wherever you are
Emotional support
Get 1-on-1 support from healthcare professionals who understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you manage any stress or anxiety.
Financial assistance
Don’t stress the bills. We work with financial assistance programs like grants, foundations and manufacturers to help you get the care you need. We’ll also assist you with the application process.
Clinical guidance
Receive personalized support regularly and instructions on how to take your meds. We’ll also work with your doctor to adjust your therapy if you’re experiencing side effects.
Sources
- “Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension,” National Organization for Rare Diseases, last accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
- Marianna Sockrider, “What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?,” American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol. 203, (March 1, 2021): 12–13, accessed Feb. 1, 2024, doi:10.1164/rccm.2035P12.
This information is not intended as a substitute for medical care or advice provided by your doctor or professional care provider. Only your doctor or professional care provider can diagnose and treat a medical condition.
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