Scleroderma Can Also Affect Your Lungs
Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is not just a skin condition. It can also cause serious lung complications such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH for short.1,2
PAH is a disease of high blood pressure in the lungs. It can occur in people with different connective tissue diseases but PAH is most common in people with scleroderma.1,3
Scleroderma Can Increase Your Risk for PAH
Although scleroderma and PAH are 2 separate conditions, inflammation may play an important role in both. Scleroderma can cause inflammation, which may then increase your chances of developing PAH.3,5
Signs and Symptoms of PAH
Noticeable signs of PAH may start out mild but can get worse over time. They include2,3,6,7:

(also called edema)
(also called edema)
Some signs of PAH are silent, so you may not see or feel them
Blood work, pulmonary function tests, or an ultrasound of your heart can reveal signs of PAH that indicate the need for diagnostic testing.7,8
Track how you are feeling
Are changes in how you feel being caused by scleroderma, PAH associated with scleroderma, or something else?
It can be difficult to tell, but tracking how you feel every day can help you discuss your health with your healthcare team.
Take Charge of Your Health
If you have scleroderma, experts recommend annual screening for PAH.8
See moreHave Questions About PAH?
See some of the most commonly asked questions about scleroderma and PAH.
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