Pulmonary Hypertension impact on social behaviour

(QoL) in PAH patients have been reported in a number of studies, and many of these have shown severe impairments in several or all dimensions.

- Dr. Saji Philip Cardiologist, Alleppey

Emotional impact A high prevalence of depression and anxiety in PAH patients has been described in several studies. Reported rates were between 20% and 40% for anxiety and between 21% and 55% for depression, with the exception of one study that reported a lower rate of 8%. Moreover, neuropsychological tests identified cognitive sequelae in 59% of PAH patients, most frequently impairments in motor function (57%) and memory (41%).

Data on other important aspects regarding the impact of PAH on patients' lives are scarce. It is known that the proportion of PAH patients unable to work due to their PAH is considerable; reported figures range between 45% and 71%. Therefore, the socioeconomic impact of PAH is likely to merit further exploration. Concerns regarding intimacy is another issue frequently reported by patients and partners, but no research has been carried out in this area.