For the uninitiated, Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) might appear the same when. In fact, there is a relevant difference between PH and PAH. In general, PH refers to a condition where high blood pressure forms in the lungs. A regular state of hypertension might impact arteries all over the body, while PH is mostly concentrated in the lungs’ blood vessels. Let us explore the differences between PH and PAH, since the latter is often used interchangeably with PH.

Differences between PH and PAH
PH refers to the increased pressure of blood in the lungs, which can result from various causes. In contrast, PAH is a chronic condition that primarily affects the arteries of the lungs. Since the heart comes under intense stress due to this constricted activity, blood flow from the heart to the body parts can be severely affected.

• Symptoms
  It takes time for the symptoms of PH to develop and manifest in a patient. Common symptoms of PH include fatigue, shortness of breath, pressure in the chest, swelling in legs, feeling of dizziness, and palpitations of the heart. PAH symptoms are quite similar but are more prominently marked by dry coughing, blue lips or fingers, feeling of faintness and lightheadedness, and swelling in various body parts.
• Causes
  PH is likely to result due to changes in the cells that are found along the lining of the pulmonary arteries. If the walls of the arteries become thicker, stiffer, and swell more than usual, the flow of the blood can change and become a cause of PH. PAH is one of the five groups of PH and can result due to one of the following causes:
  • A genetic mutation, where PAH passes down in families
  • Use of certain substances
  • Problems in heart since birth
  • Chronic health conditions
• Impact
  PH has a drastic result in the functioning capability of the right side of the heart. PAH is one of the forms of PH in which the lungs’ blood vessels are either narrowed or destroyed. Due to this damage, blood flow through the lungs comes under the impact, which further raises arterial pressure in the lungs. Now, to pump blood through the lungs, the heart must work harder.
• Risk Factors and Treatment
  With age, the chances of developing PH can increase significantly. Although the cause of idiopathic PAH is unknown, it most commonly occurs in younger adults. Here are a few factors that can put you at an increased risk of contracting PH:
  • An existing family condition
  • Increased body weight
  • Existing family history of the formation of blood clots in lungs
  • Genetic disorders such as congenital heart disease
  • Staying at a place of high altitude
  • Constant use of weight loss drugs
  • Consumption of medications to treat instances of depression and anxiety

PH can be cured by treating the factor, raising the pressure on the disease. As of now, the only effective test to diagnose PAH is a right heart catheterization.

There is a significant difference between PH and PAH. PH is more comprehensive in concept than PAH, and the latter happens to be a form of PH.