Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a form of high blood pressure affecting the lungs and the right side of the heart. It narrows, blocks and destroys blood vessels in the lungs, slowing the flow of blood to the lungs. That causes a build up of blood pressure in the lungs, which eventually weakens the heart and may lead to heart failure. There is no cure for this condition, but treatment helps manage the symptoms.

Early symptoms of PAH include the following:

1. Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Shortness of breath is one of the earliest signs of PAH. As the blood vessels carrying blood into the lungs narrow, breathing becomes difficult. It interferes with the inhale-exhale process that facilitates gaseous exchange. Your lungs will be struggling to perform their function, thus leaving you breathless when doing routine tasks such as walking up stairs.

2. Fatigue
PAH limits the flow of oxygen into the body. Thus, it deprives the body the oxygen it needs to function well. The lack of oxygen in your blood leads to higher rates of fatigue. Your muscles will not be able to handle routine tasks such as walking.

3. Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope)
The lack of oxygen due to PAH can slow down your brain. The brain needs oxygen to function optimally. Without oxygen, your thinking process will be hampered. You will also experience episodes of dizziness and fainting due to the lack of oxygen in the brain.

4. Chest pressure or pain
PAH increases pressure on the heart. The heart has to work harder to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body due to the damaged blood vessels in the lungs. As the heart struggles under increased blood pressure, you will experience chest pains. The chest pains are a result of the heart overworking.

5. Edema and ascites
PAH hinders the functioning of the kidneys. That causes edema, as the kidneys are unable to get rid of waste from your body, leading to swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs (known as edema). It also causes ascites, which is swelling in the abdomen.

6. Bluish lips and skin (cyanosis)
The red blood cells in your body supply oxygen throughout the body to facilitate cell function in different tissues. However, PAH limits the amount of oxygen in the red blood cells, leading to inadequate supply of oxygen to other body parts. The lips and skin turn bluish as a response to the insufficient supply of oxygen.

7. Heart palpitations
PAH increases heart palpitations. Due to the blocked and damaged blood vessels in the lungs, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, making it weaker. Over time, it develops heart palpitations or an erratic heartbeat.

PAH can have serious implications on your health. It is thus important to seek medical attention when you experience the symptoms. That will help you get pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment to manage the condition before it gets out of hand. A change in lifestyle may also help alleviate the symptoms of PAH. Doctor prescribed medications will ease most of the symptoms of PAH. They will give you relief, allowing you to carry out your routine tasks without difficulties. In some instances, the doctor may advise the use of PAH therapy to ease the symptoms, especially for people with serious breathing challenges.