Pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, is a rare and life-threatening form of high blood pressure. It causes high blood pressure in pulmonary arteries or the blood vessels that go from the heart to the lungs. PAH progresses gradually, and it may take several months or even years to notice the first signs and symptoms. Being familiar with some common signs and symptoms of PAH can encourage an individual to consult a doctor before it worsens.

1. Shortness of breath
This is often one of the first symptoms of PAH. In most people, the high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries is likely to disturb the natural respiratory process and make breathing difficult. As a result, simple, everyday tasks like climbing stairs, cleaning the house, or walking can leave an individual breathless. Shortness of breath or dyspnea can be a concerning symptom, so it’s crucial to get it evaluated by a doctor.

2. Fatigue and dizzinesss
When lung function gets impaired due to PAH, the entire body, including the brain, doesn’t receive enough oxygen to carry out its regular tasks. As a result, the individual can feel extremely tired, and their brain activity may slow down. Further decrease in oxygen levels in the brain leads to a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness.

3. Fainting
Reduced levels of oxygen in the brain can also lead to temporary loss of consciousness or fainting. It’s a severe symptom and must be reported to a doctor, especially if the individual is already diagnosed with PAH. For people with PAH, fainting often occurs when they bend down with their heads lowered.

4. Swelling in the limbs
Also known as edema, swelling of the limbs occur when excess fluid accumulates in the body’s tissues. In some PAH cases, the fluid builds up because the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Though mainly swelling occurs in the feet, ankles, and legs, it can also affect other parts of the body, such as hands and abdomen. Also, as PAH progresses, the risk of fluid retention increases.

5. Irregular heartbeat
PAH increases pressure in the heart, making heart muscles work harder to pump the same amount of blood. With time, these muscles become weaker, disturbing the normal heart rhythm. This may lead to a rapid heartbeat, skipped beats, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

6. Chest pain
Increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and heart may cause pain or pressure in the chest. The feeling of discomfort in the chest may vary from person to person. But, most people experience stabbing pain in the trunk or pressure.

7. Bluish discoloration of skin and lips
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to various organs and tissues in the body. But, in some cases, the amount of oxygen in the red blood cells is reduced. That means the body parts, including the skin — the largest organ of the body — becomes deprived of oxygen, which causes the skin and lips to turn blue.