Pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, is characterized by high blood pressure that affects the right side of the heart and the lungs’ arteries. The severity of the disease is such that it can alter a person’s day-to-day routine. Thankfully, identifying the warning signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension on time can lead to the proper diagnosis and help manage the condition better. Here are five common symptoms to watch out for.

1. Breathlessness
Breathlessness is one of the first and most prevalent symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In a typical scenario, inhaling and exhaling allow oxygen-rich air to enter the body and air without oxygen to exit. However, the disease interferes with this process, making breathing difficult. Patients may experience shortness of breath even when performing non-strenuous activities like walking or climbing stairs.

2. Dizziness and tiredness
As mentioned, pulmonary arterial hypertension reduces the amount of oxygen-rich air that enters the body. This also means less oxygen supply to vital organs like the lungs and brain. Since oxygen is essential for the body to function, performing any routine task can be difficult when there is a shortage in the supply. As a result, one may feel exhausted after a walk, the thinking process will slow down, and fatigue and tiredness will become a part of the patient’s daily routine.

3. Swollen limbs
Swelling in the feet, legs, and ankles is another symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The swelling results from malfunctioning kidneys, which cannot remove waste from the body anymore. The chances of fluid retention in the body also become higher, resulting in swelling in different areas. The problem is called edema and can also be triggered due to other reasons, such as a severe ankle sprain, a sedentary lifestyle, or pregnancy.

4. Chest pain and irregular heartbeats
Due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart, the organ’s muscles work harder than they usually would to keep the blood pumping. As a result, the heart muscles become weak and cannot beat normally. With time, patients experience irregular heartbeats, palpitations, and rapid pulse. High blood pressure in the heart can also cause pain in the chest.

5. Blue lips
The red blood cells (RBCs) in our body carry oxygen from the lungs to different body parts. But as pulmonary arterial hypertension causes less oxygen supply to the RBCs, their configuration changes. Among other problems, this can make the skin and lips turn bluish. The condition is called cyanosis, and it can also be triggered due to other heart-related diseases.

If someone experiences one or more of the above symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately. PAH is usually treated using medications that open up the arteries and control shortness of breath. In severe cases, surgery may be advised.