Treating and Managing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

How Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Is Treated

Although there is no cure for PAH, there are medications and procedures that can slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life. Studies indicate that early diagnosis is associated with improved survival rates and will help with getting started on the right treatment path. Treatment options vary from person to person, so you will want to work closely with your doctor to determine the best plan for you. 

Newly diagnosed patients with PAH should be referred to an accredited pulmonary hypertension care center for evaluation and right heart catheterization. Because PAH is such a rare disease, it is extremely valuable to see a specialist at an accredited center to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date treatment options. 

PAH-specific medications come in multiple forms: oral, inhaled and intravenous (IV)/subcutaneous.

Managing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness like PAH is life-changing. You will need to have a close relationship with a PAH expert and would benefit from a strong support system of family and friends.

Many pulmonary hypertension care centers require visits every few months and regular testing such as echocardiograms and 6-minute walk testing. Some centers will do right heart catheterizations every year to see how well treatment is working on pulmonary pressures and heart function. Additionally, it is essential to take your medications exactly as directed, being careful not to run out or change your schedule unless directed by your doctor. It is also important to get yearly flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Patients with PAH should adopt or continue these lifestyle changes to maintain their health.

• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke is one of the most important decisions you can make. The American Lung Association offers great resources to help you quit. 
• Though PAH may make you feel fatigued, it is important to stay active and exercise as much as possible. You may need to avoid activities such as weightlifting that can put too much strain on your lungs and heart. Ask your doctor for help creating a safe exercise plan.
• Avoid sitting in a hot tub or sauna, as well as traveling to high altitudes, as that can also put strain on your lungs and heart.
• Eating healthy will be an important part of managing your disease. Many doctors suggest avoiding saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and limiting your salt intake.
• Pregnancy can put strain on your body and for a patient with PAH be possibly life-threatening, so this is a subject you should discuss with your doctor prior to becoming pregnant.    
• With all this change, patients with PAH can easily feel overwhelmed. Many individuals may experience anxiety and/or depression after diagnosis. There are a number of support groups and other mental healthcare options available. If you are having problems coping with your situation, talk to your doctor about getting some help.