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PH Symptoms

Early symptoms of PH and PAH can be subtle, but recognizing the signs is the first step toward diagnosis, treatment and support.

Early signs of PH

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) often begins quietly. Symptoms can appear gradually and may be mistaken for other common conditions like asthma, anxiety, or just being “out of shape."1 This is one reason PH can take time to diagnose.


Common symptoms include:2

  • Shortness of breath, especially when active
  • Feeling unusually tired or weak (fatigue)
  • Dizziness or fainting episodes
  • Swelling, especially around the abdomen
  • Chest pain, especially when active
  • Wheezing and a persistent cough

These symptoms can vary from person to person — and they often come and go before becoming more constant. If you or someone you care for experiences these symptoms regularly, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional.

The physical impact of PAH

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a specific and more serious form of PH where the arteries in the lungs are narrow or become blocked.3 This puts extra strain on the heart and can cause symptoms to become more severe or noticeable over time.3

In addition to the general PH symptoms above, people with PAH may also experience:3

  • Fainting or near-fainting spells3
  • Worsening breathlessness, even at rest3
  • A blue tinge to the lips or skin (cyanosis) in advanced stages4
  • Chest pain during exertion3


Because PAH is progressive and can be life-limiting if left untreated, early recognition and referral to a specialist are crucial. If symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue are affecting your, or a loved one’s, daily life — and especially if they’re worsening or unexplained — don’t ignore them. While PH and PAH are rare, they are serious conditions, and timely diagnosis can make a 
big difference.


It’s important to talk to a physician and ask whether further investigation is needed. In many cases, a combination of diagnostic tests can help begin to rule out or identify PH or PAH.2

PH Diagnosis Pathway

Learn more about the diagnostic journey of PH and understand the tests required to identify it.

Explore the PH diagnosis pathway
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Living with PH

Discover the everyday realities faced by people affected by PH and the resilience behind their stories.

Understand the daily impact of PH
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References
1.  Small M, et al. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2024;8:1–14. 2. Manek G and Bhardwaj A. Statpearls. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482463/. Last Accessed August 2025. 3. Montani D, et al. Orphanet J Rar Dis 2013;8:97. 4. Lai YC, et al. Circ Res 2014;115:115–130.

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