PH Insights

PHA’s Commitment to Advancing PH Research, Part 1

Guests:

Todd Bull, recipient of 2006 PHA/ATS Research Fellowship Award and incoming Scientific Leadership Council Chair, past Chair of the SLC Research Committee and Rachel Hopper, Associate Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford recipient of Robyn Barst Pediatric PH Research and Mentoring Award

 

In this episode, Todd Bull, professor of medicine and director of University of Colorado Health, Pulmonary Vascular Disease Clinic and Rachel Hopper, associate director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford discuss the significance of research in the field of pulmonary hypertension, with a focus on pediatric studies. They explore the impact of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association's research grant awards on advancing careers and improving patient care. Hopper shares her journey in pediatric cardiology after receiving the Robyn Barst Pediatric PH Research and Mentoring Award – a one-year mentorship opportunity for clinicians and researchers in the field of pediatric PH. She also shares the challenges faced in studying pulmonary hypertension in children, and the importance of continued support for research initiatives.

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know About Pediatric PH

Guest: Paul Critser, MD, PhD; Pediatric Cardiologist, Heart Institute Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

 

In this episode, Critser provides an overview of Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension and how it may differ from adults living with PH. Critser shares the unique challenges a child living with PH may face from diagnosis to long-term management. He shares his insights on the signs a parent should look for, the latest treatment advancements, research, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care. Tune in to this episode to learn the essential information families should know about pediatric PH.

Navigating life with CTEPH: Experiences with PTE surgery

In this episode of the PH Insights podcast, Angela Michelle and Mark Porter share their personal journeys with CTEPH and the pivotal decision to undergo pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery. They offer candid insights into their diagnoses, the challenges they faced and the life-changing impact of PTE surgery. Listeners will learn about the emotional and physical toll of CTEPH, the decision-making process behind pursuing surgery and life after the procedure.

What You Should Know About Transplantation

Guests: Jordan Whitson, MD, transplant pulmonologist, Duke Pulmonary and Specialty Services Clinic and Diane Ramirez, PHA Board of Trustees member and heart and lung transplant recipient

 

Transplantation may be a treatment option reserved for patients who are not improving on medical therapies. While transplantation can prolong survival, improve quality of life and offer a potential cure for pulmonary hypertension, it also carries risk of significant complications, and many factors need to be considered before going forward. In this episode of PH Insights, Whitson discusses what a transplant recipient can expect before and after surgery. Heart and lung transplant recipient, Diane Ramirez  joins him to share her experience with the transplant process and how she’s feeling a year post transplantation.

Navigating Open Enrollment Season: An Overview of Insurance Options and Medicare Changes

PHA’s Advocacy and Treatment Access program manager, Jaeger Spratt, guest-hosts this episode for Open Enrollment Season. They invited Kim Everett, a pulmonary arterial hypertension and lupus patient, to talk about her experiences with insurance over the years and share how current Medicare changes have improved her prescription experience. Guest Amy Niles, chief mission officer at the PAN Foundation, tells listeners everything you need to know about Medicare reforms for 2025. Jaeger and Amy also highlight resources like PHA’s Insurance Guide, webinars about Medicare on PHA Classroom, and other places to find additional resources like Medicare.gov (1-800-633-4227, TTY users: 1-877-486-2048), local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (the SHIP program) for receive free, personalized health insurance counseling, and Patient Advocate Foundation’s case management services (800-532-5274)

A Closer Look at Pulmonary Hypertension and Interstitial Lung Disease, Part 2

Guests: Jeff Spiwak, a patient with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease; and Ahmad Abu Homoud, MD.

 

In this episode of PH Insights, Spiwak, a pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease patient, joins Hamoud to discuss the impact of PH-ILD on daily life and the importance of exercise or physical activity to manage the condition. Homoud and Spiwak share the importance of support and maintaining a positive attitude while living with a chronic illness. The episode concludes with advice for seeking early medical help and a message of hope.

A Closer Look at Pulmonary Hypertension and Interstitial Lung Disease, Part 1

Guest: Ahmad Abu Homoud, MD, medical director, Pulmonary Hypertension Center,
Jersey Shore University Medical Center; and associate program director, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shore Pulmonary Physician Associates.

 

In this episode of PH Insights, Homoud discusses the connection between pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease. ILD is a group of disorders that cause scarring (fibrosis) or inflammation of lung tissue, leading to stiffened lungs and difficulty breathing. People with ILD may develop pulmonary hypertension due to a stiff left side of the heart or sleep apnea. Homoud explains the development of PH in ILD, a rare condition that affects about 30% of patients. He also discusses the diagnostic process for both conditions and available treatment options, including medications, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. He also emphasizes the importance of early detection and encourages patients to work closely with their medical team.

Filling in the Blanks: Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension, Part 2

Guests: Jenny Yang, MD, and Monica Penaranda, PHA Board of Trustees member and PH patient.

 

In this episode, we hear from Monica Penaranda, who has been living with pulmonary arterial hypertension for 27 years. Diagnosed while pregnant, Penaranda shares her diagnosis journey and discusses the importance of perseverance, proper medical care and finding joy while living with PH. Jenny Yang explains how pregnancy can often reveal undiagnosed PAH, highlighting the critical importance of early detection and specialized care. Tune in to hear Penaranda’s inspiring journey and how advancements in PAH treatment have supported her along the way.