Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a type of blood pressure disease that makes the arteries narrow. The condition makes it hard for your heart to pump the required amount of blood, resulting in increased pressure. The trigger signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension often occur quite late, resulting in delayed treatment. The below list explains the symptoms of PAH.

Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is generally the very first symptom of this disease. The condition affects the vessels and arteries that we need to carry blood in and out of the lungs. This process is vital for breathing. When the arteries become narrow due to PAH, it becomes challenging for your lungs to continue a smooth breathing process. Simple activities like walking and climbing stairs can become difficult if you have PAH. However, shortness of breath is common, which is why you may end up ignoring it. To avoid delayed treatment for PAH, you should be more mindful of breathing problems.

Dizziness and fatigue
If the lungs cannot function properly due to PAH, it affects your body’s oxygen supply. When your brain and other parts of the body do not get enough oxygen, they become tired quickly. Even a little walking will lead to fatigue, and your brain will start to act slower due to a lack of oxygen. Hence, if you are getting tired more easily, it might be time to check with your doctor. Dizziness is an associated symptom of oxygen shortage that can also indicate PAH.

Limb swelling
One of the more severe trigger signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension is swelling in your limbs. If you have untreated PAH for some time, it leads to fluid retention, as your kidney cannot flush out waste properly. This condition leads to swelling in your feet, legs, and ankles. If you have any signs of edema (swelling due to fluid retention), it is vital to get in touch with a doctor. He or she can diagnose if the underlying cause of your edema is PAH or any other disease.

Blue lips
Cyanosis or bluish lips and skin can indicate PAH. When you have the disease, the red blood cells do not get enough oxygen, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to the body’s different parts. When your lips and skin do not get adequate oxygen, they become blue.

Chest pain and heartbeat irregularity
Due to PAH, your heart has to work harder to pump the blood through the narrow arteries. This condition makes the heart muscles weaker, causing heartbeat irregularities and palpitation. The increased pressure in the heart also leads to chest pain.

These trigger signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension may vary among patients. The seriousness of the condition may differ, too. The best way to handle the situation is to visit a doctor if you notice any PAH-related symptoms.