On May 5, those that live with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and their families and loved ones are being asked to participate in a worldwide social media campaign to advocate for the fight against the life-threatening disease that is often difficult to diagnose and often dismissed as asthma.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), an advocacy leader in the global PH community, will take part in a world effort on the World Pulmonary Hypertension Day (May 5) to educate people about the disease, also known as high blood pressure of the lungs. PH is characterized by an increase in blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries, which can lead to heart failure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fainting and chest pain and the disease can be misdiagnosed as asthma or other less threatening conditions. Without appropriate treatment, patients survive less than 3 years after the diagnosis.

The PHA has created a social media pin with the following message, “PH: A disease of many stripes,” to aware about the diagnostic challenges and how the disease can come in so many different ways. Each member from the PHA will share the pin with their respective followers to lead them to the PHAssociation.org website so they can learn more about PH, how to make donations and healthcare resources.

May 5 will also include the start of PHA’s Days of Unity. Days of Unity are events and fundraisers hosted by individuals and organizations to raise money to fight PH. Small walks and endurance bike races will be organized to raise money for the cause.

[adrotate group=”4″]

“We rely on donor support to fund programs that make a significant impact on the course of this disease. World PH Day is an opportunity for us to engage our community of patients, caregivers, medical professionals and donors to help save lives as we race towards a cure for pulmonary hypertension,” said PHA President and CEO Rino Aldrighetti.