Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are rare pulmonary diseases that narrow the lung’s blood vessels causing high blood pressure and eventually leading to heart failure. PPH, PAH, and PH have been linked to the use of diet drugs including: Fen Phen, Redux, Pondimin, may also be caused by consumption of ephedra, ma huang or nutritional supplements such as Metabolife, Herbalife, Dexatrim and herbal products like St. John’s Wort extract.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare pulmonary disease where progressive narrowing of the blood vessels of the lungs causes high blood pressure in these blood vessels, eventually leading to heart failure. The lungs contain millions of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. These capillaries are extremely small, just wide enough for blood cells to move through. The capillaries are lined with endothelial cells that prevent blood from leaking out of the vessel. Outside of the blood vessels are muscle type cells that expand and contract as blood moves through them from the heart into the lungs. PAH causes the cell lining of the lung’s blood vessels to weaken and allow leakage. The leaking of blood out of the vessels causes the muscles that surround the blood vessels to constrict. This continuous constriction increases the pressure within the blood vessels and cuts off blood flow. The constriction gradually worsens, eventually increasing the pulmonary arterial pressure.

PPH Symptoms

The most common symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) include one or more of the following:

• Shortness of breath following exertion
• Excessive fatigue
• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Ankle swelling
• Hyperventilation
• Fainting
• Bluish lips and skin (cyanosis)

Speak to a Fen Phen Lawyer

Due to the causal connections that have been found to exist between the use of prescription diets pills known as Fen Phen, Redux, Pondimin and the development of PPH, there have been hundreds of PPH Fen Phen diet drug lawsuits filed against the makers of these dangerous diet drugs. Fen Phen and Redux were taken off the market in the US in 1997. While earlier reports differ, new studies indicate that a PPH diagnosis of ten or more years from the date of the last consumption is well documented. Other causes of PPH may be due to consumption of ephedra or ma huang, nutritional supplements (Metabolife, Herbalife, Dexatrim type of products), St. John’s Wort and even cocaine usage. If you have been diagnosed with PPH and took Fen Phen, Redux, Pondimin, ephedra, mahuang or St. Johns Wort, then contact our law firm to discuss your legal options.