Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increased blood pressure in the arteries that go from the heart to the lung. This condition causes the arteries to get narrowed or blocked. This can lead to serious complications, and it is important to understand more about it. The article lists out some symptoms and causes of PAH.

Symptoms Of PAH
The symptoms of PAH usually take a long time to show up. This is because the narrowing of the arteries happens slowly. The earliest symptoms of PAH may be confused for other conditions. This makes it difficult to diagnose PAH. Some of the initial symptoms of PAH are:

1. Shortness of breath
The narrowing of arteries in the lungs can cause difficulty in breathing. Feeling shortness of breath while doing activities like climbing stairs is one of the earliest symptoms of PAH. If this happens to someone who’s physically active, it could definitely be a sign of PAH. In severe cases, shortness of breath can even occur when the patient is at rest.

2. Fatigue
Extreme tiredness is one of the primary symptoms of PAH. This is often accompanied by dizziness. Severe oxygen shortage can even cause a person to faint.

3. Other symptoms
Some other symptoms that can be observed in someone with PAH are pain and tightness in the chest and swelling in the ankles and legs. In the advanced stages, swelling can even be seen in the abdomen. The lips and skin may turn bluish in color due to inadequate levels of oxygen. Increased heart beat and pulse rate may also be seen.

Causes
The walls of the pulmonary arteries may become thick or swollen due to a variety of reasons. PAH is categorized into five different groups, depending on the actual cause. Listed below are causes according to each group:

1. Group 1
Sometimes, there is no apparent cause of PAH. This is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Hereditary PAH may occur due to a genetic mutation passed down through generations. Heart problems that are congenital (present at birth), such as a hole in the heart, can also cause PAH.

Medications, such as methamphetamines can sometimes cause or aggravate PAH. Several conditions, such as HIV, cirrhosis, scleroderma, and lupus may also cause PAH.

2. Group 2
Left-sided heart diseases, such as aortic valve or mitral valve diseases, can lead to PAH. Left ventricular failure is another cause.

3. Group 3
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another cause of PAH. Sleep apnea and pulmonary fibrosis, in which the lungs become scarred over a period of time, can also lead to PAH.

4. Group 4
Chronic clots in the lungs are another reason behind the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Other disorders related to clotting can also result in PAH.

5. Group 5
Blood and inflammatory disorders can cause PAH. It can also be caused by a tumor that presses on the pulmonary arteries, causing them to constrict. Other rare disorders can also lead to PAH.