Pulmonary arterial hypertension (or PAH) is a life-threatening disease caused by hypertension, or high blood pressure, in the lungs. An increase of pressure in the arteries above the normal rate will destroy lung and heart functioning. This disease is often brought on by the consumption of recreational drugs, as well as by conditions such as lupus, HIV, heart malfunctioning, lung infections, and blood clotting in the lungs.

If left untreated, pulmonary arterial hypertension becomes a life-threatening condition within a few years, and may lead to heart failure. Major early warning signs of PAH include:

1. Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
“Air hunger” or shortness of breath is the sensation of the inability to breathe normally or the feeling of suffocation. Someone suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension may develop such symptoms. When a person has difficulties breathing, shortness of breath may be caused, and they should seek medical help immediately. Shortness of breath can be managed with the right medication, exercising, and breathing techniques.

2. Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope)
Syncope refers to fainting or passing out. Majorly, the syncope is attributed to a drop in the blood that flows from the heart through the veins to the head. People suffering from PAH are most likely to suffer from this symptom. Dizziness is when you feel unsteady, weak, or sense as if things around you are spinning (vertigo). Dizziness by itself is not a huge point of concern, but anytime a person experiences dizziness and fainting, they should get immediate medical attention. This may be a symptom of PAH. A lot of rest, drinking a lot of water, and avoiding any caffeine can do better for a person who is feeling dizzy.

3. Chest pressure or pain
when the heart pumps blood at higher rates, then it is supposed to get tired faster. The arteries will be enlarged from carrying too much blood and compress nerves in the chest. This leads to a painful chest with coughs that may, at times, produce precipitates of blood.

4. Swelling of the ankles, legs and abdomen
When the kidneys cannot excrete waste from the body, then the limbs tend to swell. People who have PAH tend to suffer from fluid retention. Fluid collects itself in the spaces within your abdomen, causing pain, swelling, nausea, and vomiting.

5. Bluish lips and skin cyanosis
The work of the heart is pumping oxygenated blood to the whole body. This helps body organs function adequately without struggles. Inadequacy of oxygenated red cells in your blood makes the lips and the skin turn bluish. People with PHA are exposed to these risks because the lungs’ arteries are damaged; hence, the blood pumped has a low oxygen supply.
Different patients have contrasting experiences with PAH, as it depends on so many factors, such as lifestyles, immune system, and eating habits. How one person is affected by PAH, and their path to recovery might not be a recipe for another patient. That being said, it is important to seek medical attention when you experience these early PAH symptoms.