The main difference between PAH and PH is that PH (pulmonary hypertension) is a general term for high blood pressure in the lungs from any cause, while PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension) is a specific, chronic disease that causes the arteries in the lungs to tighten and stiffen. In simpler terms, PAH is a type of PH.
To illustrate the difference, consider the following:
Understanding the Terms
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Pulmonary Hypertension (PH): Think of PH as an umbrella term. It describes elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs). This high blood pressure can be caused by various underlying conditions.
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Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): PAH is a specific disease falling under the PH umbrella. It is characterized by changes in the pulmonary arteries themselves, where the walls of the arteries thicken and become stiff, leading to increased blood pressure. According to the reference, PAH is currently incurable.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) | Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | High blood pressure in the lungs from any cause | A specific disease causing tightening and stiffening of lung arteries |
| Scope | General term | Specific type of PH |
| Cause | Various underlying conditions | Changes within the pulmonary arteries themselves |
| Curability | Depends on the underlying cause | Currently incurable |
Practical Insight
Knowing the difference between PH and PAH is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. If a patient is diagnosed with PH, further investigation is needed to determine the underlying cause. If the cause is identified as changes in the pulmonary arteries, then the specific diagnosis is PAH. Treatments differ depending on whether it's general PH or the more specific PAH.
