Why does Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension develop?

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious condition that develops when the blood pressure in the lungs is too high. The exact cause of PAH is unknown, but there are a number of factors that are thought to contribute to its development, including:

* Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop PAH if they have a family history of the condition.

* Underlying medical conditions: A number of medical conditions can increase the risk of PAH, including connective tissue diseases, such as scleroderma and lupus; congenital heart defects; liver disease; and certain lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease.

* Use of certain medications: Some medications, such as appetite suppressants and certain chemotherapy drugs, can cause PAH.

* History of blood clots: People who have had blood clots in the past are more likely to develop PAH.

* Increased age: PAH is more common in older adults.

In most cases, PAH is classified as idiopathic, which means that the exact cause is unknown. However, in some cases, PAH is secondary to another underlying condition or medications.