Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a condition in which the blood pressure inside the pulmonary artery significantly exceeds the normal arterial range of 14 to 18 mmHg. PPH sufferers typically have an arterial blood pressure that is 30 to 50% higher-than-normal (25 to 30 mmHg).

The pulmonary artery is a major blood vessel that connects the right ventricle of the heart with the lungs. It is one of the only arteries in the body that carries deoxygenated blood, playing an incredibly important role in blood circulation. PPH sufferers require their heart to work harder in order to pump the necessary levels of deoxygenated blood into the lungs where it can be oxygenated and shuttled throughout the body. The increasing strain placed on the heart may eventually cause the heart muscles to weaken to the point of failure.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension - The Statistics

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a serious (albeit rare) condition that currently has no known cure. The lung disorder affects approximately 500 to 1,000 Americans each year, most of which are women aged 20 to 40 years of age. Although such women are most at risk of developing PPH, men and children have nonetheless been stricken by the lung condition. While instances of the condition are relatively rare, there were an estimated 163,000 hospital discharges in the U.S in the year 2000 for which PPH was one of the diagnoses.

Even though there is no cure, it is incredibly important for PPH sufferers to receive prompt treatment. There are a variety of treatments that can help to alleviate some of the more common PPH symptoms and limit the stress on the heart. Certain studies have shown that as many of 30% of untreated PPH victims die within three years of developing the condition. Additional studies have also estimated that between 15 and 20% of patients suffering from PPH have developed the disease as a result of a genetic predisposition.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Causes

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition that can occur for no apparent reason. As such, PPH is often referred to as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Known causes of PPH include abnormal reactions to certain diet drugs like Fen Phen, Redux (dexfenfluramine) and Pondimin (fenfluramine). People using such diet drugs are 28 times more likely to develop PPH than people using alternative medications.

Additional causes of primary pulmonary hypertension include the use of certain adrenergic stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and Fen Phen

The link between primary pulmonary hypertension and Fen Phen was of such a serious nature that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of the diet drug in September of 1997. Fen Phen users have reported serious Fen Phen side effects that include the development of heart valve defects (valvular disease) and primary pulmonary hypertension. The Fen Phen recall was designed to offset potential liabilities associated with the development of side effects; however, there are a large number of Fen Phen lawsuits that have been filed on behalf of Fen Phen victims. In fact, it has been estimated that more than 50,000 Fen Phen lawsuits have been filed with potential liabilities exceeding $14 billion.

To learn more information about Fen Phen victims' rights, contact the law offices of Ferrer, Poirot & Wansbrough at 800 521 4492 or visit the firm's website at www.ppa-injury.com.