Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious condition that impacts the arteries, lungs, and heart. In some people, the disease may get worse and life-threatening over time. Since there is no cure available at the moment, one can avoid it by educating themselves about the condition, its treatment, and the causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

1. Use of appetite suppressants 
According to a study, people who take appetite suppressants and diet pills are at an increased risk of contracting PAH. The research indicates that the risk is 23 times higher in people who use diet pills for more than three months.

2. Lung disease
Lung disease is the most common cause of PAH. Most lung diseases that eventually lead to PAH are detected by unusual lung sounds upon physical examination. People who live at high-altitudes for a long time may experience an increased risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Other reasons include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and pulmonary fibrosis that is caused due to scarring of the tissue lining between the air sacs of the lungs.

3. Chronic blood clots
Blood clots in the lungs, also known as pulmonary emboli, can also cause PAH. Blood clots disrupt the blood flow to the arteries and can lead to pulmonary hypertension. If detected in time, it is possible to cure the condition by surgery.

4. Prevailing heart condition
When the blood pressure on the right side of the heart is high, it usually indicates the onset of PAH. However, it is not the same as high blood pressure. When suffering from PAH, the arteries in the lungs become constricted, making it harder for blood to flow freely. As a result, the blood pressure in the lungs increases, making it harder for the heart to pump blood through the arteries.

5. HIV patients
HIV, although rare, is also one of the many causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Since HIV severely impacts the immunity system and leads to chronic inflammation, it is known to stimulate the development of PAH in a person infected with this virus. It also puts immense pressure on the pulmonary blood vessels, straining the heart. Moreover, HIV weakens the immune system, making one more susceptible to PAH.

6. Other health conditions
Several health conditions are related to PAH, such as congenital heart disease, liver disease, metabolic disorders, kidney disease, and blood disorders, to name a few.

PAH is a fatal condition that can worsen over time. However, there are treatment options available that can mitigate the symptoms and improve life, even with the disease. The best thing to remedy the problem is to stay active. Low-impact exercise, such as walking and swimming, can improve lung capacity and help live a better life.