Irregular heartbeat and chest pain

Increased pressure in the heart makes the heart’s muscles work harder than
they should. Over time, these muscles grow weaker. A weakened heart can’t
beat as well or as regularly as it once did. Ultimately, this may cause
an erratic heartbeat, a racing pulse, or heart palpitations.

Increased blood pressure in the heart and arteries may cause chest pain or
pressure. An overworked heart may also cause unusual chest pain or chest
pressure.

Different symptoms for different

people
Each person with PAH will experience a different assortment of symptoms.
The severity of the symptoms will also differ from person to person. One
person’s journey with having and treating PAH won’t necessarily be helpful to
another person because the path with PAH and the treatment options are so
individualized.

However, you can draw support from others who have PAH, learn from their
experiences, and shape your approach to treating PAH accordingly. Read
more about medications used to treat PAH.

Talk to your doctor

Your doctor can help you identify the cause of your symptoms.
Your doctor will ask you to undergo a series of tests to eliminate some of the
false positives mentioned above. You’ll likely start with a physical exam, chest
X-ray, blood test, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram. If they
suspect PAH, then another series of tests will be given to accurately diagnose
the condition.

Don’t wait if you’re experiencing symptoms of PAH. The longer you wait, the
more serious these symptoms may become. Eventually, PAH can limit you
from doing all physical activity. Additional symptoms become more likely as
the disease progresses.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect you have PAH, make
an appointment to see your doctor. Together, you can identify — and treat —
this rare type of high blood pressure.