Context

• The World Pulmonary Hypertension day was observed on May 5 globally.

What is pulmonary hypertension

• Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an incurable disease caused by increased blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs
• This may be due to blockage, narrowing, or damage to the blood vessels of the lungs, which increases pulmonary blood pressure.
• Owing to the increased pulmonary pressure, the heart has to work harder to pump the blood to the lungs, leading to weakening of the heart muscles.

Causes of PH

• Some common underlying causes of pulmonary hypertension include high blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries due to some types of congenital heart disease, connective tissue disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, liver disease (cirrhosis), blood clots to the lungs, and chronic lung diseases like emphysema. 
• Genetics also play a role.

Risk factors associated

• Pulmonary hypertension happens at all ages, including children, and its incidence increases with age.
• Pulmonary hypertension is more common among women, non-Hispanic black people, and people age 75 or older.

Treatment

• Currently there is no cure available to the pulmonary hypertension
• The existing treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms, increasing the quality of life and life expectancy