Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Quick Links
Q&A Treatments A-Z Help Center Guidelines Crisis Accessibility
Resources
Emotional Well-Being Living with PH PAH PH Information PH Symptoms PH Treatments All Resources
About myPHteam
What is This Site Terms of Use Privacy policy
Powered By
Real members of myPHteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Can The Symptoms Of PAH Mimic Sleep Apnea And Can You Separate Them?

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Somerset, KY
July 29, 2023
•
View reactions
myPHteam

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and sleep apnea can share some overlapping symptoms, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Shared Symptoms
- Fatigue: Both PAH and sleep apnea can cause severe fatigue.
- Shortness of Breath: This is a common symptom in Show Full Answer

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and sleep apnea can share some overlapping symptoms, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

Shared Symptoms:
- Fatigue: Both PAH and sleep apnea can cause severe fatigue.
- Shortness of Breath: This is a common symptom in PAH and can also be seen in sleep apnea due to disrupted sleep and low oxygen levels.
- Sleep Disruptions: Insomnia and waking up during the night can occur in both conditions.

Distinguishing Factors:
- PAH Symptoms:
- Chest Pain: Often associated with PAH.
- Heart Palpitations: Fast-beating or fluttering heart.
- Swelling: In hands and feet.
- Discolored Lips or Fingers: Due to low oxygen levels.
- Dizziness and Fainting: More specific to PAH.

- Sleep Apnea Symptoms:
- Apnea Episodes: Pauses in breathing during sleep.
- Snoring: Common in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Daytime Sleepiness: Due to poor sleep quality.
- Memory or Concentration Problems: Resulting from disrupted sleep.

Important Notes:
- Overlap: Between 17% and 53% of people with sleep apnea may develop pulmonary hypertension.
- Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis is crucial. If you experience symptoms, consult your doctor for appropriate tests and assessments.

By recognizing these symptoms and discussing them with a healthcare provider, you can better manage and differentiate between PAH and sleep apnea.

July 23, 2024
A myPHteam Member

PH and sleep apnea are two different things. Sleep apnea means you actually stop breathing for many seconds throughout the night. This robs your lungs of needed oxygen, your vessels start to narrow, and the right side of heart enlarges as it strains to pump needed blood supply /oxygen to lungs.
This is known to be a cause of PH.

August 27, 2023
A myPHteam Member

When I had my RHC and was diagnosed with PAH the first thing my PH specialist did was rule out blood clots via a V/Q scan and have me undergo a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea. I have an autoimmune disease called Sjogren's that falls in the connective tissue classification. It has been determined that Sjogren's is the cause of my PAH. Good luck!

July 31, 2023
A myPHteam Member

Thanks....in the process....will see which is which.

July 30, 2023
A myPHteam Member

Have you had a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea? If not, you should discuss this with your PH specialist. Sleep apnea can increase pulmonary pressures.

www.https://pulmonaryhypertensionrn.com/living-...

July 30, 2023

Related content

View All

I Have A Question Do The People On Here Do You See A Regular Pulmonologist Or Do You See A Pulmonologist That Specializes In Pah

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Farmington, ME
January 4

How Many Of You Use A Sleep Apnea Machine? I've Been Told This Goes Along With PAH And Could Be The Reason I Have This Disease .

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Denisonn, Tx
December 30, 2023

How Many People With Pah Have Insomnia And Sleep Apnea

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Surrey, BC
October 19, 2020

Sleep Problems and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: What’s the Connection?
Can a CPAP Machine Help With Your Pulmonary Hypertension?
5 Facts About PH and Shortness of Breath
Already a Member? Log in