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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) disproportionately affects women, leading to substantial clinical, emotional, psychological, social, and economic impacts, according to an interim analysis of an ongoing observational study. The study, presented at CHEST 2024, aimed to assess women’s experiences of living with PAH and the burden on their lives.
Key Points:
- Women with PAH reported frequent pregnancy complications, including premature delivery, cesarean sections, and loss of pregnancy.
- Concerns about the use of teratogenic medications and the desire for motherhood despite mortality risks were common among participants.
- Nearly all women (15 of 16) reported depression or loneliness, with some experiencing social isolation or requiring therapy for mental health issues.
- Independently managing the household and childcare were challenging for most participants, and PAH impacted family relationships.
- The economic burden was significant due to high care costs, decreased work productivity, job insecurity, and lack of insurance coverage.
Despite female predominance in PAH, women had better outcomes compared with male patients, a finding that has been labeled the “estrogen paradox.” (Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal)
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