Pulmonary hypertension prevalence
Reviewed by Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. Current estimates suggest a prevalence of PH of about 1% worldwide. Still, the total number of people in a specific population with PH at a given time can vary by the type and its underlying cause.
How common is PH?
Overall, PH is a relatively common condition. Statistics show PH affects about 1 in every 100 people, or approximately 80 million individuals worldwide. However, certain subtypes of PH, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), are considered rare. PH due to heart and lung disease is much more common.
PH causes the pulmonary arteries to narrow and become blocked, making the right side of the heart work harder to pump blood through the arteries. This can cause the heart to become enlarged and weakened, and over time, may result in heart failure.
Symptoms of PH include:
- shortness of breath, or dyspnea
- fatigue
- dizziness or fainting spells, called syncope
- pressure and pain in the chest
- swelling, or edema, in the ankles, legs, or abdomen, which is known as ascites
- bluish color in the lips and skin, known as cyanosis
- irregular heartbeat
The condition usually is progressive, which means that symptoms typically start off mild and get worse with time.
PH prevalence by type
PH is divided into five groups, based on cause. The prevalence of PH varies by type.
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| PH type | Prevalence details | Underlying causes |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: PAH | Rare, affecting about 48-55 adults per million worldwide
About 500 to 1,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year Marked by tissue damage in the pulmonary arteries More than 50% of cases are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown Approximately 15%-20% of cases heritable, or caused by changes in a gene passed down through families |
Includes HIV infection, connective tissue and autoimmune disorders, and exposure to certain toxins and drugs |
| Group 2: PH caused by left-sided heart disease | The most common form of PH
Along with group 3, accounts for about 90%-95% of cases worldwide Affects 50% of people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction Also affects between 50% and 70% of people with aortic or mitral valve disease |
Results from long-term heart disease/left-sided heart disease (e.g., heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, aortic or mitral valve disease) |
| Group 3: PH caused by underlying lung disease | A common form of PH
Along with group 2, accounts for about 90%-95% of cases worldwide. Affects 7%-30% of people with advanced COPD. Also occurs in 30% to 50% of people with advanced interstitial lung disease |
Typically due to underlying lung diseases or hypoxemia, including emphysema, obstructive sleep apnea, advanced COPD, advanced interstitial lung disease, and chronic high-altitude exposure |
| Group 4: PH due to pulmonary obstructions (blockages in pulmonary arteries) | A rare form of PH
Affects about 26 to 38 adults per million worldwide This group includes a type called chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension |
Results from blood clots in the lungs or tumors that block pulmonary arteries |
| Group 5: PH caused by other health conditions | A rare form of PH, though exact prevalence is hard to estimate due to the wide range of potential underlying causes | Includes conditions that don’t fit into any of the above categories, such as blood disorders, systemic and metabolic disorders, and chronic kidney failure |
Who gets PH?
Several factors, including sex, age, and genetics, can influence the onset of PH. Demographics factors in PH may include the following:
- Sex: Women are more likely than men to have PH, but men tend to have worse outcomes; this phenomenon is called ‘the estrogen paradox.’ Researchers are continuing to look into the causes of this discrepancy.
- Age: Risk of PH increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 60.
- Race and ethnicity: In the U.S., PH may disproportionately affect Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Indigenous Americans. This is likely due to disparities in diagnosis, access to specialty care, and the prevalence of underlying diseases.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to asbestos or having certain infections may increase the risk of PH.
- Genetics: Certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome and congenital heart disease, as well as a family history of blood clots, may increase risk. Genetics may also play a role in the development of heritable PAH.
Individuals with any of these risk factors and symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles and legs, should speak to their primary care physician. Many other diseases can cause these symptoms, and it’s important for people to work with a healthcare professional to rule out other lung diseases, such as asthma or COPD.
Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
