Because the cause of primary pulmonary hypertension is unknown, there is no known strategy for preventing it. However, the best strategy for preventing secondary pulmonary hypertension is to avoid all tobacco smoke. It is also helpful to avoid the risk factors associated with pulmonary hypertension, which include:

• Cocaine use
• Exposure to air pollutants
• HIV infection
• Living at high altitudes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Using certain diet drugs

In addition, some conditions are known to increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension (e.g., Raynaud syndrome, sickle cell anemia, scleroderma, COPD, Lou Gehrig's disease, rheumatoid arthritis). People diagnosed with such conditions are encouraged to discuss regular screening for pulmonary hypertension with their physician.