Pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, is a chronic health condition where the tiny blood vessels in the lungs narrow down and become disfigured, leading to increased blood pressure in the organ. This, in turn, puts pressure on the pulmonary artery and right ventricle of the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure with time. This article discusses the leading causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension and factors that increase the disease’s risk.

Causes of PAH
The condition can arise due to several reasons, including:

1. Alterations in BMPR2 gene
The most prevalent cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension is a mutation in the BMPR2 gene. This gene plays a critical role in controlling the cells of specific body tissues. A mutation stimulates cell division, causing excess growth of cells along small arteries in the lungs. This, in turn, narrows the arteries and obstructs blood flow.

2. Congenital heart disease
The disease can also occur due to cardiovascular problems that develop at the time of birth. According to a particular study, around 28 percent of patients diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension had some form of congenital heart disease.

3. Autoimmune and other diseases
Certain autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma, can lead to the problem. In addition, cirrhosis of the liver, HIV, lung conditions like chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and sleep apnea can also lead to the condition.

Risk factors of PAH
The following factors make a person more susceptible to the disease:

1. Excess weight combined with sleep apnea
Being overweight and suffering from sleep apnea is one of the leading risk factors for the condition. Sleep apnea is where a person’s oxygen levels dip while sleeping.

2. Family history
Pulmonary arterial hypertension can also develop among people whose family members suffer from the disease and when it runs in the family genes.

3. Gender
Particular types of pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as idiopathic and familial, are more common in females than males. The risk shoots up further in pregnant women and women of childbearing age.

4. Lifestyle issues
The condition is prevalent among people who follow unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking or drugs. In addition, living in high-altitude places or traveling to these locations frequently can also increase the risk

5. Medicines
The drugs made to treat severe ailments like cancer and depression elevate the risk. These medicines attack the lung tissue and can lead to further complications.

Unfortunately, pulmonary arterial hypertension cannot be cured completely. Surgery and medications can only control the symptoms that aggravate the problem and help patients lead normal lives. Therefore, understanding the causes and avoiding the risk factors becomes essential. Additionally, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle and eat nutritious meals to keep the symptoms in check.