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How
the PH Research Act Helps the PH Community
The PH Research Act achieves four important goals:
- It increases funding to PH Research, leading to further
understanding of PH and new treatments for the illness.
Currently there are five FDA-approved treatments for
PH and five more in trials. The PH gene has also been
identified by researchers who are developing treatments
that may lead to a cure. This important work must not
be hindered by lack of funding.
- It increases public awareness of PH, aiding insurance
companies and others to learn about PH symptoms, effective
treatments, and the resources necessary to empower communities
to fight PH.
Most Americans have never heard of PH and do not know
that symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest
pain, and dizziness are common indicators of the illness.
Without that knowledge, they accept improper diagnosis
and lose precious time in treating PH.
- It increases medical professionals' knowledge of PH,
helping to decrease the number of undiagnosed patients
and increase the quality of treatment for those who have
been diagnosed with PH.
Early diagnosis remains the best defense against PH.
Quality of life and effectiveness of treatment are maximized
when diagnosis is early in the onset of illness.
PH patients report an average of three physician consultations
before a fourth doctor makes a correct diagnosis. This
process can take years, and patient health often declines
sharply over this important time.
- It moves us one step closer to a cure.
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