Menu
Symptoms of PAH
Patients are asymptomatic in the early stages of PAH, or present with non-specific symptoms that can be mistaken for asthma, chronic heart failure or even depression and lack of fitness.1 Early symptoms, especially dyspnoea, may initially appear innocuous, but progress over time, so it’s important to be vigilant in recognising them early (you may wish to use a symptom questionnaire).2
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and begin to limit normal activities.1 Some patients may experience constant dyspnoea and fatigue so that even simple tasks, such as getting dressed and walking short distances, become difficult.1,3 Unfortunately, PAH is frequently not suspected or detected until this late and highly symptomatic stage.4
The clinical severity of PAH is classified according to World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC).3,5

Key message for PAH referrers
Associate Professor Eugene Kotlyar
