US Postage Stamp for Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness

Why it is important to raise public awareness about pulmonary hypertension through a US postage stamp……

Pulmonary Hypertension is a disease classified by a high blood pressure in the lungs. The vessels that supply blood to the lungs constrict, causing pressure to build up on the right side of the heart. Shortness of breath and the gradual enlargement of the heart develop causing right heart failure. PH can be primary (unknown origin) or secondary to other diseases such as scleroderma, sickle cell anemia, and heart disease.

By raising awareness about PH we can help to save lives. PH has become known as a "silent killer". The average patient goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed on average for 1 year. PH is still considered rare, only affecting about 200,000 US citizens per year. However it is believed many more have PH and do not know it. Depending on the responsiveness to treatment, survival rates in the PH patient vary from 20 years. However, 30% of patients, after diagnosis, do not survive beyond the 4 year mark, even with the most advanced treatments.

Doctors and researchers continue to make great strides in their studies of several new promising treatments that may prolong lives, as well as improve quality of life. A gene has now been identified linking familial ph. Currently new treatments are available that benefit many patients. By supporting ongoing research efforts, we can develop the tools needed to battle, treat and eventually cure PH.

Please sign this petition today to Urge the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to vote on the creation of a stamp to raise awareness for PH. Together it is possible that we will find a cure for this devastating disease.