5 May 2025

Pulmonary Hypertension Day, observed on 5 May, is a timely reminder to raise awareness of this often-overlooked disease, and recognise the importance of early diagnosis and management.

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a serious condition characterised by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. This increased pressure forces the heart to work harder to pump blood through the lungs, leading to potential heart failure. Untreated, it is associated with high mortality rates of over 20 per cent per year. It can affect people of all ages, and symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness.

At Austin Health, our Pulmonary Hypertension Service offers rapid assessment and consideration of appropriate medical treatment. The team is able to prescribe the full spectrum of oral pulmonary vasodilators (a medication that relaxes and widens the blood vessels in the lungs, specifically the pulmonary arteries) and has an expert nursing team who supports patient by adjusting medications as needed.

“There are exciting developments in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, making it more important than ever that we see and treat these patients within our service,” says Dr Anna Beale, Medical Lead, Pulmonary Hypertension Service.

PH can be caused by various factors, including connective tissue diseases, left-sided heart disease, chronic lung conditions, blood clots that don’t dissolve, congenital heart defects, or unknown causes. Diagnosis includes a heart ultrasound, and if suggestive of PH, a right heart catheter study is performed to measure the pressures in the heart and confirm the diagnosis.

In more severe cases, patients may require medication infusions or a lung transplant. The team has established referral pathways to The Alfred Hospital for patients who need advanced care or surgery to remove persistent blood clots in the lungs.

With the right diagnosis and treatment, people living with PH can lead active and fulfilling lives.

Pulmonary Hypertension Day serves as a reminder to act early and support those living with this life-threatening disease.