Pulmonary Hypertension Association Europe, Wilhelmstrasse 19, Wien (2025)

05/09/2025

from Slovenia and the Atlantic Ocean

🌊⛵ PHAEUROPE was proud to share incredible news from Slovenia and to celebrate a victory for the entire global PH community when Team Jonuka 400 – Luka and Jona – made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest dinghy sail of 400 nautical miles. They dedicated this achievement to all 💙 PH patients who show the same extraordinary courage every day by defying their diagnosis, breathing, and fighting on.

✨ Now, a new chapter begins: PH Slovenia is preparing for the next stage of the Jonuka project. This time, sailor Uroš Kraševac will take on the legendary solo regatta Mini Transat – an extreme transatlantic challenge held every two years since 1977. Alone in a 6.5-meter boat, without advanced navigation or outside contact, Uroš will face the raw forces of the ocean. 🌍

The condition of being alone at sea, breathless in the face of the unknown, demands immense courage and willpower. ⚓ In many ways, it mirrors what PH patients endure when confronted with their diagnosis and as they navigate life with this relentless condition.

💪 While PH steals breath from patients, Uroš will leave the world breathless with his determination, courage, and humanity.

To make this inspiring project possible, PH Slovenia invites you to take part in something truly special: the chance to own the Jonuka 400 sailboat through an exclusive contest. With a donation of just 65€, participants will not only support Uroš, PH Slovenia, and the global PH community, but also symbolically step aboard this remarkable journey themselves.

🌟 Support Jonuka 400. Support Uroš. Support PH patients. Together, we sail further. 🌟

Društvo za pljučno hipertenzijo Slovenije 🙌💙

04/09/2025

🌟Without You There Would Be No Us🌟

Support can arrive in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes it is found in the wisdom of a doctor, the love of family, or the guidance of a trusted professional. Together, they become the primary strength that helps a PH patient rise again and again.

For Nieves Elizaragary, three people have been that strength: her doctor, her father-in-law, and her psychologist.

👉To Dr. Ramón Agüero Balbín, she says:
“Knowing that we have a doctor who, without saying a word, can read your mind and knows how to find the answers to calm our anxieties is truly wonderful. It is even more comforting to know that he has had many students under his guidance, and I am sure he has passed on that special gift he has with patients to them. Thank you, Doctor.”

👉To her father-in-law, Guillo:
“My dear Guillo, you came into my life at just the right moment, accompanying us and making me feel more useful in my life. I thought I would be the one to help you, but I see it has been quite the opposite. Thank you for always looking out for my health. I love you!”

👉And to her psychologist, Saúl Merlo Cáseres:
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. With your tools, I have been able to overcome fears and enjoy each and every day of my life.”

Each of them gave Nieves something unique – calm, love, or courage – and together, they became the foundation that makes life with PH lighter to bear.

To Dr. Agüero, Guillo, Saúl, and all who support PH patients, we say with full hearts: Your care is the difference between fear and hope, and without you, there would be no us! 💙

Fundación Contra la Hipertensión Pulmonar
Hipertensión Pulmonar España
Asociación Nacional de Hipertensión Pulmonar

03/09/2025

Miracles Happen Because of You – and Without You There Would Be No Us 💙👩‍⚕️

Some doctors and healthcare professionals don’t just treat symptoms and diseases. They see the whole person, bringing hope, courage, and life when it seems impossible.

For Ma Jose, mother of a child with PH (pulmonary hypertension), that hope came in the form of Dr. Daniel Peña, internist, and physiotherapist Núria Rubio. Nine years ago, her son Javier faced a terrifying moment: a severe respiratory virus left him on assisted breathing in the ICU for 55 days. The prognosis was grim, and the family was told that disconnecting him might be the kindest option.

“This is part of our story - a story of pain, of struggle… and of miracles,” Ma Jose says. “Today, defying every prediction, my son is alive and enjoying a quality of life I never thought possible. This has been thanks to the path of truly integrative medicine, which doesn’t stop at treating symptoms but instead seeks the root cause, understands the person, and not just the illness.”

In the PH community, professionals like Dr. Peña and Núria are more than caregivers - they are lifelines, encouragers, and everyday heroes, a pulse of the entire PH community. Their dedication proves that medicine guided by heart can create miracles.

To Dr. Peña, Núria, and all who stand with PH patients, the message is clear: Miracles happen because of you. 💙

Fundación Contra la Hipertensión Pulmonar
Hipertensión Pulmonar España
Asociación Nacional de Hipertensión Pulmonar

02/09/2025

💙 goodPHnews from Bosnia and Herzegovina 🌍

Our friends from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Plućna hipertenzija BiH shared two remarkable stories of solidarity and awareness.

On August 23, 2025, the tireless Enes Ibrahimagić from Bihać once again ran new kilometers for people living with pulmonary hypertension (PH). By taking part in the 6h Zavalje race, part of the third season of the Plješevica Trail League, Enes continued his long-standing commitment to raising awareness of the difficult situation of PH patients in the country. Nobody keeps count of the total distance he has run anymore – it is simply countless kilometers on roads, trails, up and down hills, along rivers and fields – always dedicated to the same cause. A heartfelt thank you to Enes, as well as to Emina, Amar, Sanel, Enver, Amir, and Anel, whose achievements and dedication deserve the respect of the entire PH community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe, and worldwide. 🙏💪

At the same time, on August 23–24, 2025, mountaineers Akif Limo and Edin Mehanović from the Hiking Society Visočica (Visoko) climbed the highest peak of the Prenj mountain range, Zelena glava (2,123 m), getting breathless for pulmonary hypertension (having previously reached the summit of Velika Vlasulja at 2,336 m). Their symbolic act, carried out in cooperation with members of the Hiking Society Zanatlija from Osijek, Croatia, once again drew attention to the challenges faced by PH patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every new ascent is proof of their commitment and perseverance in achieving the common goal: a better future for people living with PH. ⛰️💙

Respect to all who make their steps and climbs matter – for PH patients everywhere!

01/09/2025

Without You, There Wouldn’t Be Me – A personal story by Zdenka Bradač 💙👩‍🩺

Some doctors don’t just treat a disease. They stand at the very edge of the unknown and choose to fight for life, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and doing whatever it takes to preserve what is most precious: the life of a child.

For Zdenka Bradač, that doctor was Prof. Ivan Malčić, a pioneer in pulmonary hypertension care of pediatric patients in Croatia, a man of courage and vision, and the one who refused to give up when hope seemed out of reach.

“The year was 1982. I was only eight when I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension – a condition with no available treatments and very little understanding. Some doctors had already given up. But Professor Malčić didn’t. He chose to fight for me. In 1982, I underwent right heart catheterisation - the only way to confirm the diagnosis at that time. I still keep a report from 1983, not just as a medical document, but as a testament to courage, perseverance, and belief.”

Prof. Malčić was the first in a line of extraordinary doctors who have stood by Zdenka for more than four decades. His dedication, knowledge, and bravery laid the foundations for survival. Today, thanks to modern therapies and the tireless efforts of her medical team, she has been living with pulmonary hypertension for 43 years.

Prof. Malčić is not just part of Zdenka’s journey. He is the reason this story exists at all. To him and to all the doctors who carry hope forward - the PH community has only one message: Without you, there would be no us. 💙

PH "Plava krila "Croatia fans

29/08/2025

Today, Hall Skaara the pleasure of co-presenting a webinar on the PH Global Patient Survey (PH GPS) with Wendy Gin-Sing (UK nurse). It was a great combo - patient + nursing perspectives - sharing findings from nearly 4,000 patients and carers worldwide. We also had 90+ live attendees from around the world 🌍.

Huge thanks to Wendy for co-presenting 🙏 and to Rachel Meehan (PVRI) for extracting the survey data and preparing the slides.

The recording will be available on the PVRI website and at the Bel Air Center.
➡Create a free account here: www.belaircenter.info

29/08/2025

Without You There Would Be No Us 💙👩‍⚕️

Some nurses don’t just do their job. They become a lifeline. Where others see procedures and routines, they bring hope, comfort, and strength.

For Biljana, a PH patient from Serbia, that nurse is Svetlana Zdjelarević - lovingly known as “Ceca.” At the University Clinical Center of Serbia’s cardiology ward, nurse Ceca has become a symbol of what true care looks like: expertise, dedication, and above all, humanity.

“Devoted, smiling, cheerful, and always ready to help,” Biljana says. “She cheers me on and makes every visit easier and brighter. Without her immense dedication, many of us would not have the hope and care we need. I am thankful to have her by my side.”

In the PH community, nurses like Ceca are more than professionals - they are friends, encouragers, and everyday heroes. Their presence proves that compassion can heal in ways medicine alone cannot.

To nurse Ceca, and to all the nurses who stand with PH patients, the message is simple: Without you, there would be no us. 💙

Organizacija Plućna hipertenzija Srbija - PH Serbia

28/08/2025

WEBINAR REMINDER - Happening tomorrow🔔

🌍 PHAEurope is proud to have played a key role in the first-ever Pulmonary Hypertension Global Patient Survey (PHGPS).

More than 3,000 patients and carers worldwide shared their lived experiences, making this the largest survey of its kind. The results provide powerful insight into the reality of living with PH and shaped 10 global priorities for improving patient care. These calls to action, published in Pulmonary Circulation in July 2025, highlight the urgent need for equitable access to care and research opportunities, especially in regions facing geographical disparities.

💡 Join us for a Live Online Webinar
From Patient Voices to Action: Understanding the PH Global Survey – European Findings

📅 Friday, 29 August - tomorrow
🕚 11:00 BST
💻 Online via Zoom

Hall Skaara from PHAEUROPE and Dr. Frances Varian will be discussing:

🔹Time to diagnosis
🔹Quality of life
🔹Access to care
🔹Understanding the 10 Calls to Action

This special session, hosted by PVRI in partnership with PHAEurope and the European Lung Foundation, is designed for patients and carers to learn more about the European results and their impact.

👉 Don’t miss it. Register for free here: http://bit.ly/3JDjGJy

27/08/2025

World PH Day Around the World: 💙🌍 Spain ANHP 🇪🇸

This year was especially meaningful for our Spanish member Asociación Nacional de Hipertensión Pulmonar (ANHP), who not only commemorated World Pulmonary Hypertension Day but also celebrated their 20th anniversary, marking two decades of unwavering commitment to the PH community.

On WPHD, ANHP brought awareness and solidarity to different corners of Spain. In Málaga, together with the Pulmonary Hypertension Unit of Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, they hosted the first Patient and Family Day, creating a space for connection, learning, and multidisciplinary collaboration. In Zaragoza, patients and professionals gathered at Miguel Servet University Hospital to share voices and experiences, reminding us of the crucial role associations play in supporting those living with PH. Meanwhile, in Madrid, La Paz University Hospital invited the public to “Feel Pulmonary Hypertension” through an impactful activity that simulated the daily exhaustion patients endure.

Just weeks later, ANHP’s 20th anniversary commemorative event brought together patients, families, and leading experts for a moving day of reflection and progress. The debate “20 years with you in Pulmonary Hypertension”, moderated by Prof. Joan C. March, opened powerful conversations on quality of care, pediatric PH, lung transplantation, and comprehensive patient support. Special recognition was given to volunteers, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and institutions whose dedication strengthens the PH community every day.

From raising awareness to celebrating milestones, ANHP has shown that their work continues to inspire hope, amplify patient voices, and build a stronger future for everyone affected by pulmonary hypertension. 💜

PHAEurope President Zdenka Bradač congratulated ANHP on their 20th anniversary and wished them many more years of inspiring work in support of the PH community.

Asociación Nacional de Hipertensión Pulmonar 👏🙏💪

26/08/2025

Without You There Would Be No Us 💙👩‍⚕️

At PHAEurope, we believe progress begins when knowledge meets compassion, when experts go beyond the expected to stand by people living with pulmonary hypertension 💜.

In Latvia, Ph.D. physiotherapist Lina Puga has become a beacon of hope for PH patients. Her groundbreaking clinical study and development of a home exercise program, the only one of its kind in Europe, has opened new doors of possibility for our community.

Through her work, Lina has given patients more than exercises. She has offered strength, confidence, and the assurance that life with PH can be lived with dignity and hope 🌟. Her knowledge, heartfelt generosity, and unwavering commitment make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Pulmonālās hipertensijas biedrība dedicates this Without You There Would Be No Us thanks letter to Ph.D. physiotherapist Lina Puga, in recognition of her groundbreaking research and tireless support for PH patients in Latvia 🙏.

We at PHAEurope are proud to echo this gratitude.
To Lina, and to every expert who walks alongside the PH community:
Without you, there would be no us. 💙

Pulmonālās hipertensijas biedrība

25/08/2025

from Slovakia👏🙌

Traditionally, the PH run team from Slovakia proudly joined the “From the Tatras to the Danube” relay race—once again proving their incredible determination, unstoppable team spirit, and radiant smiles as they ran in support of the Slovak Pulmonary Hypertension Association (ZPPH). 💪😊 Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, and thank you for running side by side with the PH community and patients in Slovakia! 🌟

Združenie pacientov s pľúcnou hypertenziou, o.z. 💙
➡Support PHA Slovakia: phaslovakia.org

22/08/2025

💙 – Croatia’s First Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty: A Breath of Hope

On August 10, 2025, the Clinical Hospital Centre in Split achieved a medical milestone—performing Croatia's very first balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Until now, patients had to travel abroad for this life-changing procedure, typically to Austria.

The procedure was led by Dr. Mislav Lozo, with support from Dr. Dino Mirić, nurses Kristina Ruščić, Mirjana Lativnović, Katarina Gavranić, and radiology engineers Josip Ujević and Matea Bolčić, under the guidance of Professor Slobodan Obradović from Belgrade - Serbia, who has performed around 200 BPA interventions. The results were immediate—both patients reported dramatic improvement within hours, saying they could “finally breathe again.”

CTEPH is a rare type of pulmonary hypertension affecting 1–2% of patients after pulmonary embolism. Residual clots block blood flow, causing vessel scarring, narrowing, and elevated pulmonary pressure. Common symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, swelling, fainting, and coughing blood. Diagnosis involves echocardiography, right heart catheterisation, and imaging tests.

Treatment options include pulmonary endarterectomy, a complex surgery usually performed abroad, and riociguat, an approved medication. For non-surgical candidates, BPA provides a less invasive alternative by opening narrowed pulmonary arteries, improving blood flow and reducing pressure.

Professor Darija Baković Kramarić, Head of Cardiology at KBC Split, said the introduction of BPA “proves the consistency and determination of our cardiology team in keeping pace with global trends.” Dr. Lozo expressed gratitude to colleagues for their support in bringing this procedure to Croatia, marking a new era of care for CTEPH patients without the need to travel abroad.

Conrgatulations!💙👏 PH "Plava krila "Croatia Organizacija Plućna hipertenzija Srbija - PH Serbia

Pulmonary Hypertension Association Europe

05/09/2025

04/09/2025

03/09/2025

02/09/2025

01/09/2025

29/08/2025

29/08/2025

28/08/2025

27/08/2025

26/08/2025

25/08/2025

22/08/2025

Adresse

Telefon

Webseite

Benachrichtigungen

Verknüpfungen

Teilen