[Vienna] (5th of May, 2022) –
World Pulmonary Hypertension Day is an annual global event to raise awareness of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a severe condition affecting the lungs and heart.

It was a decade ago when the first event was organized in 2012. The initative has grown to a global event with more than 80 organizations around the world are marking the 10th anniversary of World PH Day with various activities to raise awareness of this frequently misdiagnosed disease and celebrate the lives of people living with PH.

A great variety of in-person programs are organized worldwide: this year we expect many more famous buildings illuminated in our colors on the 5th of May!

A global calendar of events helps in navigating amongst the various events and facilitate the community to join the local initiatives.

The PH community is encouraged to address the policy makers and decision makers. A high-profile in-person event with the participation of the Member of the European Parliament was organized in the European Parliament on the 26th of April to launch the Call to Action – Addressing the Unmet Needs of Persons Living with Pulmonary Hypertension. More information about the position paper and the launch event is available from here.

PHA Europe filed an online petition to ensure better access to treatment. You can learn more about this initiative and support it here.

On the 5th of May – with the participation of patient assocations and physicians – the 10th anniversary celebration webinar will be held with a surprise not to be missed. Follow the online event here.

The global PH community is encouraged to raise awareness of PH by using the common toolkit and sharing the same photos and messages translated to more than 15 languages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and adding #TogetherStronger and #WorldPHDay2022 hashtags.

Facts About PH

• The most common symptoms of PH include shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain and are often mistaken for other conditions, such as asthma or lack of fitness.
• In many developed countries, pulmonary hypertension patients spend an average of 2-3 years seeking an accurate diagnosis. By the time they are diagnosed, 75% have progressed PH.
• For populations worldwide, PH can exist alone or in association with many other conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lupus, scleroderma, HIV, sickle cell anemia, pulmonary emboli and connective tissue disorders. It has also been associated with methamphetamine use.
• In the developed world, PH is most commonly associated with left heart disease.
• In the developing world, schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms – also known as snail fever — is the greatest cause of PH.
• PH can strike anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, social or ethnic background.

“The past has taught us that – whilst the world is constantly changing – by working together we can get through even the toughest times. This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of World PH Day, which is another opportunity to further consolidate our common work.” – Eva Otter, President of PHA Europe

If you would like to learn more about this rare lung disease or interested in participating any of the events please visit https://worldphday.org

About PHA Europe

PHA Europe is the umbrella organization for national associations of patients living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in Europe. It was founded in Vienna, Austria, in 2003 and is registered as an international non profit organization.

PHA Europe works together with its 34 member associations to enhance awareness of PH across Europe, promote optimal standards of care for people living with the disease, ensure the availability of all approved treatments and encourage research for new medicines and therapies.

For more information, please visit https://www.phaeurope.org

PHA Europe
Wilhelmstraße 21, A-1120 Vienna, Austria
(+43) 1 402 3725
info@phaeurope.org