World PH Day 2024

On Sunday, May 5th 2024, people around the world will participate in World PH (Pulmonary Hypertension) Day to raise awareness of this frequently misdiagnosed disease, advocate for access to PH diagnosis, treatment and care and celebrate the lives of those living with PH.

Our thoughts are with our members, their families, friends & carers who endure the incredible hardships of this unrelenting disease 365 days a year while we, with our worldwide collegiate PH organisations, ask those whose lives are not touched or blighted by Pulmonary Hypertension to join us on World PH Day to advocate with and on behalf of PH sufferers.

All serious diseases can leave sufferers debilitated and with feelings of isolation, but this is more acute for sufferers of a rare disease like PH. Equally patients can get a sense of hope from the support and understanding of both fellow sufferers and the able bodied who wish to support them and lift their spirits. It is the goal of PHA Ireland and the many PH groups across the globe to bring this sense of support and hope. We thank you for your support in the past and hope for its continuance as we strive to mitigate the terrible burden of suffering PH not just for this day but for every day.

About Pulmonary Hypertension:

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the lungs. It is different than the blood pressure that your doctor measures with a cuff. When a person has PH, the arteries in the lungs become damaged, narrow or stiff, putting pressure on the right side of the heart as it works extra hard to push blood through. If left untreated, PH can lead to right heart failure and death.

People with PH can experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue. Because these symptoms can mirror common, less-threatening illnesses, patients often go years without being diagnosed, or are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses such as asthma or COPD. With early and accurate diagnosis, proper treatment can extend and improve PH patients’ quality of life. People who think they might have PH should seek diagnosis and treatment from a PH specialist. Other symptoms include chest pain, fainting, swelling of the arms, legs, ankles or abdomen, dry cough and Raynaud’s phenomenon.