The 5 Groups of PH

The 5 Groups of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not just one disease. There are several different types of PH, and each has a different cause. Knowing which type you have is important because it helps your healthcare team choose the treatment that is most appropriate for you.

Doctors generally divide PH into five groups:

Group 1 : Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

With PAH, the small blood vessels in the lungs become narrowed, thickened, or damaged. This makes it harder for blood to flow through the lungs and causes pressure to build up. PAH can have several causes, or sometimes no clear cause can be found.

Group 2: PH Related to Heart Disease

This type of PH is caused by a problem with the left side of the heart. When the heart cannot pump or fill properly, pressure can build up and eventually affect the blood vessels in the lungs.

Group 3: PH Related to Lung Disease or Low Oxygen

Some people develop PH because of a lung disease or long-term low oxygen levels. Conditions such as COPD, emphysema, and interstitial lung disease can affect the lungs and the blood vessels that carry blood through them.

Group 4: Chronic Thromboembolic PH (CTEPH)

This type of PH is caused by blood clots that remain in the lungs and do not completely go away. Over time, these clots can become scar tissue and block or restrict blood flow through the pulmonary arteries.

Group 5: PH With Multiple or Unclear Causes

Some people develop PH in connection with other medical conditions, but the exact reason for the increased pressure may be difficult to determine. In these cases, PH may involve several contributing factors, and researchers are still learning more about how these conditions affect the lungs and heart.

Why Does the Type of PH Matter?

Although all types of PH involve increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, the underlying cause can be very different. That's why identifying the type of PH is an important part of diagnosis and treatment.

Your healthcare team may use several tests to determine which group best fits your condition and develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.