October 5, 2001

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) — a disorder of the blood vessels in the lungs which results in excess strain on the right side of the heart — can stem from a variety of causes, and eventually can lead to life-threatening symptoms. Thanks to a team of dedicated MGH clinicians and patients, and their commitment to educating the public, the battle against the disease seems closer to being won.

MGHers had the chance to learn more about PH during Pulmonary Hypertension Week, observed at the hospital during the week of Sept. 19. On that day, a table in the Main Corridor featured members of the MGH Pulmonary Vascular Center, as well as two PH patients from the MGH PH Support Group. The patients currently are using ambulatory pumps for continuous IV therapy to fight their disease. The group was on hand to distribute information and to answer questions about PH, its symptoms and its treatment.

"We were very pleased with the interest from the public and the participation of our patients during these events," says Barbara Cockrill, MD, director of the MGH Pulmonary Vascular Center. "It's an exciting time to be involved with PH patients. Our understanding of the biology now is translating into effective new therapies."

Arlene Schiro, RN, nurse practitioner for the center, agrees. "The awareness table represented a great deal of effort and anticipation on the part of our patients currently being treated for PH," she says. "They were willing representatives of our MGH PH Support Group, and shared their desire to inform the public of the early symptoms of PH and the need to seek out a major center for the disease, such as we have here at the MGH."

For more information, visit www.mgh.harvard.edu/pulmonary.

PH patients join MGH clinicians to share
information about the disease.