What are the different types of PAH?
What are the signs and symptoms of PAH?
What is PAH?
Pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, is a medical condition affecting the heart and lungs. People who have PAH develop high blood pressure (hypertension) in the arteries of their lungs (the pulmonary arteries).
In order to push enough blood through pulmonary arteries narrowed by PAH, the heart must work harder. Over time, the heart loses its ability to pump as much blood as the body needs. Symptoms, such as a reduced ability to exercise, begin to develop.
What are the different types of PAH?
What are the signs and symptoms of PAH?
- Shortness of breath—especially with physical activity
- Feeling tired
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness or fainting
- Swelling of the arms and legs
People with PAH may feel no symptoms for some time. When symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild at first, and may gradually become worse. Because these symptoms can also be caused by many common, less serious illnesses, special tests are usually needed to determine if you have PAH.
How is PAH diagnosed?
To confirm your diagnosis and to rule out other possible conditions, your doctor will likely schedule a series of tests. These may include:
- Chest x-ray (can reveal clues about the health of your heart and lungs)
- Echocardiogram (measures blood flow through the heart)
- Right heart catheterization (measures blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and how much blood the heart is able to pump)
- 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (assesses your ability to perform physical activity)
This list is not complete and does not necessarily represent the order in which these tests should be performed.
How is PAH treated?
Treatment depends on each individual's needs and the severity of his or her PAH. The World Health Organization* (WHO) has categorized PAH severity by the symptoms people experience. This is called WHO functional class. Your doctor may use your WHO class as a guide to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
LETAIRIS is a prescription medication for the treatment of PAH (WHO Group 1) in patients with WHO Class II or III symptoms. Learn more about LETAIRIS.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
BOXED WARNING
Because of the risk of birth defects, LETAIRIS is available only through a special restricted distribution program called the LETAIRIS Education and Access Program (LEAP). To receive LETAIRIS, you must talk to your doctor, understand the benefits and risks of LETAIRIS, and agree to all of the instructions in the LEAP program.
Serious birth defects: LETAIRIS can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Women must not be pregnant when they start taking LETAIRIS or become pregnant during treatment. Women who are able to get pregnant must have a negative pregnancy test before beginning treatment with LETAIRIS and each month during treatment. Your doctor will decide when to do the test, depending on your menstrual cycle. Women who are able to get pregnant must use two acceptable forms of birth control, during LETAIRIS treatment and for one month after stopping LETAIRIS. If you have had a tubal sterilization or have an IUD, these methods can be used alone and no other form of birth control is needed. Talk with your doctor or gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in female reproduction) to find out about how to prevent pregnancy. Do not have unprotected sex. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have unprotected sex or if you think your birth control has failed. Tell your doctor right away if you miss a menstrual period or think you may be pregnant.
Please see patient Medication Guide and full prescribing information, including boxed WARNING.
