“The Global Learning Series” to Raise Awareness of PAH in an Episode Called “Understanding The Heart”

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“The Global Learning Series,” announced today, that the education-focused television program distributed to public television, will feature Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) in an episode called "Understanding The Heart."

“We will bring greater understanding of PAH to the global medical and patient community, with a special care and sensitivity towards people with PAH or those who know someone with PAH, empowering them to take action regarding treatment”

The show will be distributed this fall to public television stations and several cable television stations throughout the country and globally on both the web and U.S. Government Voice of America (VOA) Television. Actelion Pharmaceuticals will be featured on the program, which will educate viewers on a scientific basis with a documentary and public service announcement style message, about issues regarding the human heart, hypertension, and specifically the description of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and its treatment.

“We will bring greater understanding of PAH to the global medical and patient community, with a special care and sensitivity towards people with PAH or those who know someone with PAH, empowering them to take action regarding treatment,” said John McGuire, Executive Producer of Programming for “The Global Learning Series.”

About PAH

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a disorder that affects the pulmonary artery, the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. PAH starts when the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs constrict, or tighten up. This makes it more difficult for blood to get through to the lungs, and as a result the heart must pump harder. Over time, scarring (fibrosis) of the blood vessels makes them stiffer and thicker, and some may become completely blocked. The extra stress causes the heart to enlarge and become less flexible. As this cycle continues, less and less blood is able to flow out of the heart, through the lungs, and into the body. PAH can occur on its own, or it can be related to other causes.

Endothelin is a chemical that occurs naturally in the human body. It is mainly produced by endothelial cells, which form a thin lining on the inside of blood vessels. Endothelin plays an important role for endothelial cells and for smooth muscle cells. In normal amounts, endothelin is involved in regular blood flow.

With PAH, too much endothelin is produced and this extra endothelin can cause blood vessels to tighten. Ultimately, the extra endothelin can lead to other complications and the symptoms of PAH that you may be experiencing.

PAH is frequently misdiagnosed and has often progressed to late stage by the time it is accurately diagnosed. Pulmonary hypertension has been historically chronic and incurable with a poor survival rate. However, treatments are available which have significantly improved prognosis.

About “The Global Learning Series”

“The Global Learning Series” is education-focused, issue-oriented and non-commercial programming, independently produced by GTS Education Inc. and distributed directly to public television stations throughout the United States and globally to VOA Television. “The Global Learning Series” strictly follows the standards and practices of public television and is distributed freely to public television stations nationwide. “The Global Learning Series” program is not affiliated with PBS. For program information, contact: [e-mail].