PH Connect

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

WHO Functional Class
Associate Professor Eugene Kotlyar

Key message for PAH referrers

Associate Professor Eugene Kotlyar

Symptoms of PAH

If you see unexplained breathlessness with any of the above symptoms, Suspect PH.
References
  1. Humbert M, et al. Eur Respir Rev 2012; 21(126):306–12.
  2. Suntharalingam J, et al. Clinical Med 2016; 16(2):135–41.
  3. Galiè N, et al. Eur Heart J 2016; 37:67–119.
  4. Hoeper MM and Gibbs JSR. Eur Respir Rev 2014; 23:450–7.
  5. McGoon M, et al. Chest 2004; 126(1 Suppl):14S–34S.
Footnotes
COPD=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; PAH=pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Suspect.
Detect.
Refer.

Suspect PH Lockup - Suspect, Detect & Refer

What is PAH?

Suspect

Detect

Refer

Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd, is proud to be a partner of PHSANZ in supporting education & research in the pulmonary hypertension field. PHSANZ is the professional society focused on facilitating research and educating members on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Their members include respiratory physicians, cardiologists, rheumatologists, immunologists, nurses and allied health professionals. If you would like more information about PHSANZ, please visit their site on this link.

Janssen is committed to monitoring the safety of our products.  We encourage healthcare professionals to report any suspected adverse events and product complaints for our products to Janssen Medical Information on 1800 226 334 and/or the TGA (at http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/problem-medicine.htm).

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Date of Prep: September 2020 CP-140515
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World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC) for patients with PH3,5

This system grades PH severity according to the patient’s functional status, by linking symptoms with activity limitations. WHO-FC remains a powerful predictor of outcomes in patients with PAH.

WHO - FC Description
I
Patients with PH in whom there is no limitation of usual physical activity; ordinary physical activity does not cause increased dyspnoea, fatigue, chest pain, or presyncope.
II
Patients with PH who have mild limitation of physical activity. There is no discomfort at rest, but normal physical activity causes increased dyspnoea, fatigue, chest pain, or presyncope.
III
Patients with PH who have a marked limitation of physical activity. There is no discomfort at rest, but less than ordinary activity causes increased dyspnoea, fatigue, chest pain, or presyncope.
IV
Patients with PH who are unable to perform any physical activity at rest and who may have signs of right ventricular failure. Dyspnoea and/or fatigue may be present at rest, and symptoms are increased by almost any physical activity.
Adapted from McGoon M, et al. 2004.5

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This content is intended for Australian healthcare professionals. For more information on pulmonary hypertension, please contact your healthcare professional.
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