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Symptoms

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

The first symptoms of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) may be very slight, and might only be noticed when you exercise e.g. climbing stairs, running, walking uphill, carrying bags, or doing housework. However as PAH gets worse, you may gradually find it harder to do your normal daily activities. Common symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath (breathlessness)

Feeling tired or fatigued

Dizziness

Chest discomfort or pain

Fast and/or irregular heartbeat

Light-headedness or fainting

Swelling in your legs and/or the belly

Lips and fingers turning purple or blue

“Even before my diagnosis, my body was telling me something wasn’t right but I wasn’t really listening to it. I would get short of breath a lot easier than before and I joked about getting older and unfit. I was being treated for asthma but the various medications didn’t seem to help. I joined a CrossFit Centre to get fit, increase my cardio and put an end to the jibes of being unfit."
Kevin, lives with PAH.

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Information and support
Our Information and Support Centre team are here to assist you with your questions, provide general information and referral to support services. This free and confidential service is available Monday to Friday 8am – 4.30pm (AEST). Call 1800 654 301 or email us below.
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