Pulmonary Hypertension: More Than Simply High Blood Pressure

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is emerging as a serious health concern across South Africa, particularly in communities where access to healthcare is limited. While it is often confused with ordinary high blood pressure, PH is far more complex and dangerous.

Vanessa Snow, Head of Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine South Africa, explains:
“Pulmonary Hypertension is a condition that sees arterial pressure impact the respiratory system – in other words, the lungs – and frequently, the right-hand side of the heart. Blood vessels in the lungs become narrowed, blocked, or even destroyed. This slows blood flow, increases pressure in the lungs, and eventually causes the heart muscle to weaken and fail.”

Why Pulmonary Hypertension Is Misunderstood

One of the biggest challenges with PH is that its symptoms can be misleading. Early signs such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue are often mistaken for asthma. When standard asthma treatments fail, further investigation sometimes reveals PH. Other symptoms may include chest pain or pressure, swelling in the legs and abdomen, extreme tiredness, or even changes in skin colour, appearing blue or grey depending on skin tone.

Because these signs mimic other conditions, diagnosis is often delayed – and delayed diagnosis can make treatment more difficult.

Who Is Most at Risk?

PH is typically diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60, but risk factors can appear much earlier. Lifestyle choices like smoking, obesity, or living at high altitudes play a role, as do exposures such as asbestos. Certain medications, illegal drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, congenital heart defects, and chronic illnesses can also increase the likelihood of developing PH.

In South Africa, the prevalence of PH is expected to be higher than in wealthier countries, due to risk factors such as HIV, viral hepatitis, and schistosoma infection. On top of this, the cost of healthcare in developing countries often limits access to early testing and treatment.

The Importance of Early Detection

While there is no cure for PH at present, effective treatments exist to manage the condition, ease symptoms, and improve life expectancy. Snow emphasizes the importance of identifying the disease as early as possible. Aside from medication, the most powerful tools we have against diseases like PH are education and awareness. As people age, it becomes increasingly important to test for PH during annual health checkups. Early intervention leads to better management outcomes.

Managing PH requires a multidisciplinary approach – not only medical treatment but also emotional and social support. From symptom relief to advanced therapies that target underlying causes, patients need comprehensive care to maintain quality of life.

Building Support and Hope

Organisations such as the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of South Africa are stepping in to provide information, advocacy, and a support network for patients and their families. Describing themselves as “a source of support, connection and hope,” they help bridge gaps in understanding and care.

Snow is optimistic about the future:
“As constantly refined medical interventions show greater efficacy and become more affordable, patients in South Africa will increasingly be able to reap those benefits.”

A Call to Action

Pulmonary Hypertension remains an overlooked public health issue in South Africa, but it doesn’t need to stay that way. With greater awareness, timely diagnosis, and wider access to treatment, more patients can look forward to living longer, healthier lives.