Pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, is a serious and even potentially fatal condition that causes high blood pressure buildup in the pulmonary arteries that connect the lungs to the heart. As these arteries progressively narrow and become blocked, blood transport is limited, the heart muscle is stressed and weakened, and the risk of heart failure increases. If left untreated, PAH leads to more damage and more risk of heart failure over time.

Consider the following risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension:

1. Sleep apnea

Research conducted by the American College of Chest Physicians estimates that over 50% of individuals who suffer with sleep apnea will develop pulmonary arterial hypertension. The risk with sleep apnea can be traced back to breathing lapses during sleep, or hypoxia, which may lead to damage to blood vessels and high blood pressure buildup in the pulmonary arteries.

2. Age and gender

While pulmonary arterial hypertension affects both men and women of all ages, studies show that around 20% of PAH patients tend to be women in middle age with a history of congenital heart disease.

3. Stimulant drug abuse

Several types of stimulant drugs—including cocaine and methamphetamine are considered risk factors for the development of PAH. In addition, fenfluramine, phentermine, and other discontinued appetite suppressants may also increase the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension development when taken for durations surpassing 3-months or more.

4. Lung Disease

Patients with existing lung diseases (COPD) are considered the most at risk for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension. In fact, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are typically closely monitored by medical doctors for signs of PAH development due to high levels of inflammation and hypoxia in the blood vessels of the lungs.