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."
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: info@thegloballearningseries.tv.
“The Global Learning Series”
John McGuire, Senior Producer, 561.338.7479
