November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about a condition that can affect the heart, lungs, and everyday life.
The 2026 awareness campaign theme is “Living Under Pressure,” highlighting the physical and emotional pressures experienced by people living with pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that often develops gradually. Its symptoms can be mistaken for other heart or lung problems, which may delay diagnosis. Greater awareness can help people recognize warning signs and seek appropriate medical assessment.
What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) means that the blood pressure in the arteries carrying blood from the heart to the lungs is abnormally high.
These blood vessels normally allow blood to flow through the lungs to receive oxygen. When pressure in these arteries increases, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the lungs.
Over time, this additional strain can cause the right side of the heart to become enlarged or weakened. If left untreated, pulmonary hypertension can lead to serious complications, including heart failure.
It is important to understand that pulmonary hypertension is different from ordinary high blood pressure, which affects the arteries throughout the body.
What Causes Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension can develop for several reasons. It may be associated with heart or lung diseases, blood clots in the lungs, or changes in the blood vessels of the lungs. In some people, the exact cause is not identified.
Understanding the underlying cause is important because it helps doctors decide on the most appropriate treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension?
Symptoms may develop gradually and can become more noticeable as the condition progresses.
Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity
- Unusual tiredness or reduced exercise capacity
- Chest discomfort or pressure
- Dizziness or episodes of fainting
- Palpitations or a racing heartbeat
- Swelling of the ankles, legs, or abdomen
Shortness of breath and fatigue are common symptoms of many conditions. However, persistent, or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored, particularly when they are worsening or affecting daily activities.
How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pulmonary hypertension requires a medical assessment and appropriate investigations. No single symptom or routine test can confirm the condition.
Doctors may recommend:
- Echocardiography: An ultrasound examination of the heart that can assess its structure and function and help estimate the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension.
- Lung function tests: These helps identify underlying lung conditions that may contribute to breathing difficulties or pulmonary hypertension.
- Chest imaging: Chest X-rays or CT scans may help identify lung or heart abnormalities.
- Blood tests: These can help assess overall health and identify conditions associated with pulmonary hypertension.
- Right heart catheterization: This is the definitive investigation used to confirm pulmonary hypertension and measure pressure inside the pulmonary arteries.
The choice of investigations depends on the patient’s symptoms, examination findings and suspected underlying cause.
Can Pulmonary Hypertension Be Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health.
Some patients may require treatment for an underlying heart or lung condition, while others may need specialized medicines that act on the pulmonary blood vessels.
In selected cases, treatment may also include oxygen therapy, diuretics to manage fluid retention, or other supportive measures.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve symptoms, quality of life and, in many cases, long-term outcomes. Patients should be assessed by clinicians familiar with pulmonary hypertension because treatment needs to be tailored to the individual.
Why Is Early Recognition Important?
Pulmonary hypertension can be difficult to recognize because its early symptoms often resemble those of more common respiratory and cardiac conditions.
Persistent breathlessness, unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or reduced ability to perform everyday activities deserve attention. Identifying the condition early can help prevent delays in diagnosis and allow appropriate treatment to begin.
People already living with heart or lung disease should also report any new or worsening breathing difficulties to their healthcare team.
Living with Pulmonary Hypertension
Living with pulmonary hypertension can affect physical activity, work, and everyday routines. The condition may also create emotional and practical challenges for patients and their families.
Regular follow-up, taking prescribed medication, monitoring symptoms, and following an individualized care plan are important parts of long-term management.
Patients should seek urgent medical attention if they experience severe or sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or a rapid deterioration in their condition.
Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness at The Chest Clinic
At The Chest Clinic – Dr. Javed Husain & Associates, based in Karachi, we recognize the importance of identifying respiratory and cardiovascular conditions that may contribute to persistent breathlessness and reduced exercise capacity.
Dr. Javed Husain, pulmonologist, and critical care consultant, evaluates patients with unexplained breathing difficulties and suspected lung-related causes of pulmonary hypertension. Appropriate assessment and investigations can help identify underlying respiratory problems and guide further evaluation or referral when needed.
If you are experiencing persistent or unexplained shortness of breath, medical assessment is important to identify the cause and determine the appropriate next steps.
For booking an appointment and information call +923018479066, +923293364949, or email us at connect@thechestclinic.pk