Living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) can affect much more than breathing. PH symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, swelling, chest pain, and heart palpitations. These symptoms can shape how far you can walk, how much energy you have, and how confident you feel getting through the day.

We asked myPHteam members, “Which type of symptom affects your day the most lately?” Among those who responded:

• 60.6 percent chose physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling.
• 24.5 percent selected “It varies day to day/Other.”
• 8.7 percent said mental symptoms, including brain fog or trouble focusing, had the biggest effect.
• 6.1 percent chose emotional symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or stress.

These results reflect only the experiences of myPHteam members who answered the poll. Still, their comments show how physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms can overlap — and how the symptom that affects someone most may change from one day to the next.

Physical Symptoms Had the Biggest Daily Impact

Nearly 61 percent of respondents said physical symptoms posed the greatest challenge to daily life. In the comments, shortness of breath and fatigue came up often, along with dizziness, heart palpitations, pain, nausea, and sleep problems.

Shortness of Breath Can Make Everyday Tasks Harder

Shortness of breath — which healthcare professionals call dyspnea — is one of the most common symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension. For myPHteam members, breathlessness could show up during exercise or much less strenuous activities.

“I end up almost gasping for breath just walking from the bedroom to the living room.”

— A myPHteam member

One member shared, “Mostly shortness of breath if I overdo exercising.”

For others, even walking a short distance could be difficult. One myPHteam member described the impact this way: “I end up almost gasping for breath just walking from the bedroom to the living room.”

Breathlessness could also interfere with activities that may not seem physically demanding. Another member said, “Short of breath, especially when talking and when eating.”

These experiences show why breathlessness can affect much more than exercise. It may make household tasks, meals, conversations, and social activities harder.

Fatigue May Persist Even After Sleep

Fatigue is another common symptom of PH. Several members described exhaustion that lingered despite getting plenty of sleep.

“I sleep 10 hours at night and I still want to nap during the day.”

— A myPHteam member

One myPHteam member said, “Tiredness. I sleep 10 hours at night and I still want to nap during the day.”

Dizziness and Heart Symptoms Can Add Another Challenge

Dizziness that can cause fainting is also associated with PH. Members described how lightheadedness could affect their balance and sense of safety.

One myPHteam member described having “shortness of breath and dizziness to the point of almost falling down.”

Some members also experienced a racing or pounding heartbeat along with breathlessness. One explained, “For me, it is a rapid heart rate that leads to the shortness of breath.”

Another said, “Just getting up from a seated position can cause palpitations and dyspnea.”

Pain, Nausea, and Insomnia Also Came Up

Members’ comments showed that the physical burden of PH did not always fit neatly into breathlessness or fatigue.

One member shared, “I have a lot of leg achiness and pain throughout the day, and a lot of nausea and loss of appetite.”

Sleep was another concern. One myPHteam member wrote, “I have terrible insomnia.”

“I have a lot of leg achiness and pain throughout the day, and a lot of nausea and loss of appetite.”

— A myPHteam member

Brain Fog and Trouble Focusing Can Affect Independence

Mental or cognitive symptoms were the biggest daily concern for 8.7 percent of respondents. Although this group was smaller than the group reporting physical symptoms, members’ comments showed how much problems with thinking and concentration could affect work, appointments, household planning, and communication.

One myPHteam member said, “Brain fog led me to retire early.”

“Writing a simple email took twice as long because of brain fog and focus.”

— A myPHteam member

Other members described difficulty concentrating or multitasking. One shared, “I can’t seem to stay focused or engage in multitasking.”

Another explained how an ordinary task could take much longer: “Writing a simple email took twice as long because of brain fog and focus.”

Anxiety, Frustration, and Worry Can Shape the Whole Day

Emotional symptoms were the top concern for 6.1 percent of poll respondents. Members described anxiety, frustration, depression, worry, and crying. Research suggests that anxiety and depression are common in people with pulmonary hypertension and can affect quality of life.

For some members, anxiety appeared alongside physical symptoms. “When I move too rapidly, the heart rate increases and brings on the shortness of breath. Often, a brief bout of anxiety accompanies this as well.”

“Emotionally, I think being tied to O₂ all the time is the most frustrating. I want to throw it off and go do what I want … .”

— A myPHteam member

Frustration could also be connected with the demands of living with PH. One member shared, “Emotionally, I think being tied to O2 all the time is the most frustrating. I want to throw it off and go do what I want … .”

Other comments showed how worry could take up a great deal of emotional space. One member said, “Every day, I worry if I’m going to make it through the day.”

Another shared, “Today, emotional, crying, short of breath, but I know God is in control and that I can depend on Him!”

Finding What Matters Most to You

Even though PH often involves multiple symptoms, one may stand out more at certain times. Tracking what affects you most can help guide conversations with your healthcare provider.

Support from others can also make a difference. Hearing how other people manage similar challenges may help you find strategies that work for you.