The past decade has been a very exciting time to treat patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). New treatments have been approved that have dramatically improved outcomes for PAH patients. Compared to 20 years ago when we had a single medication to treat PAH we now have 13 treatments. Once a disease treated in a small number of university centers, PAH is now … [Read more...]
Exercise and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
A common question that I am asked by patients is how much activity can they safely perform. What type of exercise is safe? Should patients exercise? In the past, patients with heart and lung disease were advised to avoid exercise. We now know much better! Not only does exercise improve your stamina, it also improves you muscle strength and sense of well-being. During … [Read more...]
Buyer Beware: Stem Cells In PAH
Have you seen the new ads promising to cure your ________ (you fill in the blank with whatever disease you have) with stem cell therapy? Did you read the small print? Lately my patients have been increasingly asking me about stem cell therapy for PAH. Patients are bringing in pretty advertisements from companies that are making grand promises. Too good to be true? … [Read more...]
New Year: New Insurance Authorizations for PAH Medications
As we bring 2014 to an end and ring in the start of 2015 take a quick break from family, friends, and festivities to double check the authorizations of your PAH medications. … [Read more...]
Why I Am A Pulmonary Hypertension Specialist
November is PAH awareness month. It seems fitting to reflect on my career choice to specialize in the treatment of patients with PAH. … [Read more...]