Raising Awareness for Pulmonary Hypertension: The Invisible Disease

For those who don’t know what pulmonary hypertension (PH) is, we’ll explain: PH is a rare, life-threatening heart and lung disease that causes shortness of breath.

MORE: But how do you know if you have pulmonary hypertension? Here are 10 signs you should be aware of.

PHA Canada created this public service announcement to help people better understand this rare condition. Because this disease is not very common and its symptoms are very similar to other lung and breathing conditions (such as asthma), patients can often go years before getting an accurate diagnosis.

One of the stars of the PSA, Natalie Roy, shared why it’s so important that the PH community continues to raise awareness. “Illness comes in all shapes and bad ass style. Keep an open heart in your day-to-day life. You never know someone’s struggles,” Roy says. While the average person may not realize that many diseases (pulmonary hypertension included) have no obvious symptoms, Roy says it’s time for that to change. “People need to realize how an invisible illness like pulmonary hypertension can impact the people that live with the disease everyday.”

Let’s spread the word — and raise awareness — about pulmonary hypertension by sharing this video.

MORE: How does PH develop and what are its risk factors? Here are seven of them.

Pulmonary Hypertension News Today 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.