Quiz: Are You Feeling Your Best With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

Question Title

1. How often do PAH symptoms interfere with your daily activities?

Every day

Several times a week

A few times a month

Rarely

Never

Question Title

2. Have you talked with your doctor about how, and how often, PAH symptoms impact your life?

I talk to my doctor regularly about how symptoms impact my life.

I have mentioned PAH symptoms and their impact to my doctor in the past, but not lately.

I have not discussed with my doctor how PAH symptoms affect me.

Question Title

3. Which statement best applies to you?

I take my PAH treatments on schedule, every time, exactly as directed.

I usually take my PAH treatments on schedule as directed, but I miss a few.

I take my PAH treatments when I remember and it’s convenient.

I stopped taking my PAH treatments or have never treated my PAH.

Clinical studies show that prescribed PAH therapies, such as tadalafil and sildenafil, improve health-related quality of life in people with PAH. If you have trouble accessing or taking your PAH medications as directed, talk to your doctor about a solution.

Question Title

4. Do you use prescribed medications to help manage PAH-related symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems, or swelling from fluid retention?

Yes

Medications that can help manage PAH symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia have been found to improve comfort and health-related quality of life in people with PAH. Drugs such as diuretics can help treat fluid retention and swelling. If you experience symptoms that affect your quality of life, ask your PAH specialist whether there are any medications that can help.

Question Title

5. Have you ever used therapies such as exercise training, pulmonary rehabilitation, psychotherapy, or support groups to help manage symptoms of PAH?

I have tried one or more types of therapy to manage symptoms of PAH.

I have never tried any therapies to help manage symptoms of PAH.

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been found to improve functional capacity, reduce exercise intolerance, and improve breathlessness and fatigue in people with PAH. Exercise training, psychotherapy, and support groups have been shown to improve health-related quality of life in people with PAH.

Question Title

6. Have you made lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking (if you smoked), avoiding secondhand smoke, and reducing sodium in your diet?

Yes, I’ve made lifestyle changes to help improve PAH symptoms.

No, I already avoid smoke and minimize sodium intake.

I have had trouble making lifestyle changes.

It can be challenging to make and stick to lifestyle changes, even if you know you’ll feel better. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can help people with PAH better maintain their health. The American Lung Association offers tools and support to help those who want to quit. Reducing sodium in your diet may help control PAH symptoms. You can ask your doctor about resources to help with making lifestyle changes.

Question Title

7. How long has it been since your last visit to a specialist or pulmonary hypertension care center?

Less than one year

More than one year

Most specialists advise regular visits to undergo tests including an echocardiogram, a six-minute walk test, and right heart catheterization. The results of these tests check how well PAH medications are working and help your doctor make any necessary changes to the treatment regimen. Keeping up with scheduled visits is an important way to help make sure you feel your best with PAH.