Primary Pulmonary Hypertension - PPH

Primary pulmonary hypertension, also known as unexplained pulmonary hypertension or PPH, is a rare and potentially life threatening lung disorder. PPH is associated with an abnormal increase in the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, which occurs for no apparent reason.

Symptoms Of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

The most common symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary arterial hypertension are related to difficulty with breathing.

They include:

• Progressive shortness of breath
• Hyperventilation
• Fatigue
• Progressive weakness
• Fainting spells
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Coughing up blood
• Progressive cyanosis or blue tinge to lips hands and feet

Causes Of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

No one knows for sure what causes PPH, however there is a significant association between the use of certain appetite suppressants. As result, two drugs associated with PPH, fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, were taken off the market in September 1997 after being linked to heart valve damage.

Prognosis And Treatment Of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

The prognosis for those with PPH is quite different, but can be related to making changes to their daily routine. Although there are a number of drugs being used to treat PPH, none of these can cure or even halt the progression of the disease.

There is ongoing research being conducted to develop better treatments for those with PPH, treatments that can help improve quality of life and increase life expectancy; the earlier the diagnosis, the better the results.

It is critical that anyone who has taken the associated drugs, or has experienced an increase in the common symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension, consult with their doctor immediately.

Statistics have shown that the average survival rate after being diagnosed is around three years for those without any treatment; this period is typically longer for those who do not have heart failure, and for those who are diagnosed after age 40.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension PPH Law Suits

Patients suffering from Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) caused by Fen-Phen, Pondimin or Redux are not included in the Nationwide Class Action Settlement Agreement with American Home Products. PPH patients must file independent lawsuits to make legal claims.

People who have developed, heart failure or a heart valve defect as a result of taking Fen Phen, fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine, may be eligible to receive compensation from the pharmaceutical companies who developed the drugs. It has been estimated that the total cost of liability for Fen Phen manufacturers, American Home Health Products Corporation, will eventually exceed $14 billion. Litigation thus far has cost the pharmaceutical giant an estimated $3.75 billion.

To learn your legal rights, contact your lawyer or law office and speak with a PPH Lawyer about lawsuit information.

PPH and Diet Drugs In The News

Jul-27-06: Another lawsuit for allegedly causing a fatal case of PPH set to commence this week. [read more]

Apr-29-04: Texas court awards $1 billion to the family of women who died from PPH in a lawsuit against Wyeth Laboratories, maker of diet drug Pondimin. [read more]