Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension or PAH is a condition characterized by high blood pressure that affects both the heart and the lungs. The artery that goes to the lungs from the heart is affected here. This chronic condition worsens with time but can be handled using the right treatment. Here are the risk factors for PAH you should know about.

• Genetics
  Genetics can be one of the risk factors for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. The condition can be passed on from one generation to another and is known as heritable PAH.
• Congenital heart diseases
  People who are diagnosed with congenital heart diseases at birth are at a higher risk of developing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
• Heart valve and heart chamber diseases
  People diagnosed with left-side heart valve diseases or the failure of the left ventricle are considered to be at high risk of developing problems in their arteries that run from the heart to the lungs.
• Age
  Another one of the risk factors for PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) is age. Studies point to the fact that the older a person is, the chance of a prolonged history of the disease is high. This increases the complications of the condition too. And it can make the elderly more prone to PAH.
• Menopause
  In women, menopause is one of the commonly identified risk factors for PAH. Once a woman enters her menopausal age, the beneficial effects of estrogen on the endothelium reduces. This can make such women prone to conditions like Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
• Pulmonary fibrosis
  Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition that causes damage and scarring in the lung tissues. This makes it difficult for the person to breathe with time. People with pulmonary fibrosis can develop PAH too. This makes pulmonary fibrosis a risk factor that you need to keep in mind.
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  This is a condition where a person’s breathing suddenly stops and starts while he or she is asleep. Studies have concluded that OSA is also one of the ri sk factors for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension . Patients with OSA experience cycles of oxygen desaturations while they are sleeping. This occurs cyclically and can range from 10 seconds to up to 40 seconds. This desaturation can lead to PAH over time.
• Usage of illegal drugs
  People who have a problem with substance abuse and use illegal drugs that are not prescribed by doctors are at risk of developing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
• Liver cirrhosis Liver cirrhosis is the damage of the healthy liver tissues, and this causes the retention of various nutrients and sodium in the body. The retention of large amounts of sodium can be one reason for PAH.

All these risk factors for PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) should be taken seriously. If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pressure, do not hesitate to get medical help right away.