Lígia Disease Admissions in SC: 34 Cases Reported in 2025
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Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Increased Awareness Following Soap Opera Portrayal in Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Recent attention to pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) following its depiction in a popular Brazilian soap opera has prompted increased inquiry into the disease, particularly in the state of Santa Catarina. Data reveals 34 hospitalizations and 91 outpatient visits related to PAH in the state between January and August 2025.
What is Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive disease of the lungs and heart. It’s characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. This increased pressure makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through the lungs, eventually leading to heart failure. The cause of PAH is often unknown (idiopathic), but can be associated wiht other conditions like connective tissue diseases, HIV infection, and congenital heart defects. Mayo Clinic provides a thorough overview of PAH.
PAH in Santa Catarina: Recent Data
Between January and August 2025, Santa Catarina recorded 34 hospitalizations and 91 outpatient visits for PAH within the Unified Health system (SUS). this preliminary data is sourced from Tabwin, a platform maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Tabwin serves as a central repository for health statistics in Brazil.
| Metric | Count (Jan-Aug 2025) |
|---|---|
| Hospitalizations | 34 |
| Outpatient Visits | 91 |
Treatment and Access to Care in Santa Catarina
According to pulmonologist Karoliny Schmitz Nunes of Nereu Ramos Hospital, treatment for PAH focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, as a cure is currently unavailable. “The goal of treatment is precisely that, to reduce the mortality rate, to control symptoms so that the patient has a better quality of life, since we cannot cure this disease,” she stated. All medications required for PAH treatment are provided through the SUS in Santa Catarina.
Recent advancements in PAH treatment include the incorporation of new drugs and combined therapies, leading to improved patient care. “We made great advances when new drugs were incorporated and this incorporation allowed the use of combined therapy, resulting in better control and assistance for patients with such a serious disease,” Karoliny concluded.