This was the goal of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) specialists from around South Africa who came together on Friday morning at the Pepper Tree Guesthouse in Bloemfontein to educate and raise awareness about pulmonary hypertension.

The event, launched by Mrs Bloemfontein 2021 finalist, Elzarie Devenish, consisted of numerous specialists in the PH field, as well as people sharing testimonies about the deadly disease. Gabi Lowe, author and PH specialist, says she was inspired by the movement and creating awareness of the disease after losing her daughter to PH. Lowe is an author of a best seller book titled "Get me to 21", which sold over 8000 copies nationwide.

"Pulmonary Hypertension is a disease not commonly recognised in South Africa. To get the right medication takes tremendous amounts of financial aid, as well as difficulty in accessing those medication. Devenish, alongside these specialists, devote their time and effort to create not only accessibility towards free medication for the disease but also to educate people".

Devenish and the PH Association of South Africa create awareness through the "Chariots for PH champions campaign". The disease affects the arteries of the lungs. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, social or ethnic background.

People affected by this disease suffer from continuous high blood pressure in the lungs which results in an enlargement of the heart, which can lead to heart failure.

Cronje Mohr, specialist in PH and healthcare practitioner, specialising as a Clinical Technologist: Cardiology, says it is better classified as high blood pressure in the lungs.

"Tests done to help diagnose pulmonary hypertension, includes blood tests, chest x-rays, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms," says Mohr.

Shaun Maasdorp, Head of Pulmonology and Critical Care at the University of the Free State (UFS), says chest pain, fainting, dizziness, and shortness of breath are early common signs of the disease.

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