It is hard to believe that summer is almost over and fall is about to begin. As kids get ready to go back to school we are reminded that it is time, once again, to think about getting the flu (influenza) vaccine. I know, this feels like setting out Christmas decorations before Halloween, but it is important for Pulmonary Hypertension patients to get the vaccine prior to the … [Read more...]
Is Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension a Heart Disease or a Lung Disease?
Yes. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a disease that affects both the heart and lungs. The name means high pressure in the arteries of the lungs but it has severe consequences for both the heart and the lungs. How Does PAH Affect My Lungs? Pulmonary hypertension attacks the lungs in two ways. PAH causes vasoconstriction of the pulmonary arteries. The pulmonary arteries … [Read more...]
The TRITON Study is Up and Enrolling for PAH
New Study Comparing Medication Combinations in Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Actelion Pharmaceutics has undertaken an important new study that compares two medications versus three medications in patients that are newly diagnosed with PAH. Currently we can say with confidence that most patients do better when treated initially with an endothelin receptor … [Read more...]
Scrotal Edema
Swelling of the Scrotum with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. We recently received a great question about scrotal edema (swelling of scrotum and often the penis as well). This is a very common problem for men with PAH who are retaining large amounts of fluid. Not only is this problem very uncomfortable but also it can make urinating a challenge. When patients have so much … [Read more...]
Snow Birds and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Temporarily Relocating While Living with PAH. We recently received a great question from a reader inquiring how to handle PAH care if you split time in two locations. This is not a barrier to getting great patient care. I have many patients that winter in Phoenix and escape the Valley of the Sun when the temperatures approach triple digits. We work collaboratively with … [Read more...]
