The demographic profile of adult PH patients
includes men and women of all ages, racial, and ethnic
groups. Between 2000 and 2002, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention reported 807,000 adults were
hospitalized with PH. Of these adults, 61% were women
and 66% were 65 or older.
During the time period of 1980-2002, the number of PH deaths increased from
10,922 to 15,668, respectively; however, the greatest
increase was observed only among women.
Among all racial populations, the number of adult PH deaths has
increased mostly among the African American population.
Death rates are higher among the elderly, especially
men 85 or older, women 65 or older, whites 75 or older,
and African Americans 65 or older.