What is idiopathic pulmonary hypertension?

       Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is an unexplained abnormal increase in pulmonary artery pressure, a rare pulmonary vascular disease with a very low incidence (about 5.9 per 1 million people) and a very poor prognosis, with a 2-year mortality rate of 70-75% and a mean survival time of 2.8 years if not treated promptly. It is also known as a “malignant tumor” in the pulmonary vasculature. However, with timely diagnosis and effective treatment, the prognosis of patients can be greatly improved.  Unfortunately, however, due to the insidious nature of pulmonary hypertension, the initial clinical manifestations are relatively mild, and often only atypical symptoms such as post-exercise exertion, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, etc.; at the same time, many clinicians lack knowledge of pulmonary hypertension, resulting in serious misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of the disease. We hope that the whole society will pay attention to pulmonary hypertension, and only if the public and patients can have a rational understanding of this disease, we can protect life and enjoy health forever!