Highlighting journeys of strength and courage at Blue Lips 2025 event
PULSE Issue 47 | July 2026
For someone living with Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), even a short walk can feel like a climb. PH is a type of high blood pressure that damages the arteries in the lungs, causing the vessels to become narrowed. This results in the heart working harder to pump blood to the lungs and can eventually lead to the heart muscles weakening and failing. While the condition may not always be visible, its impact is felt in life’s simplest moments. For those with PH, activities that many take for granted, such as walking a short distance or climbing a flight of stairs, often require careful pacing, energy, and determination.
To bring greater understanding to these experiences, the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), together with the Pulmonary Hypertension Singapore (PHSG) support group, organised the Blue Lips awareness event on 4 November 2025. Bringing together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and members of the public, the event created a space for conversations, shared experiences, and a collective show of support for those living with PH.
Some of the most meaningful moments came from the patients themselves. Through candid conversations, they offered glimpses into the realities of living with the condition. Some shared how they carefully planned their days around their energy levels, while others spoke about setting small, meaningful goals and maintaining routines that gave them a sense of normalcy. These were not dramatic milestones, but steady commitments with deeply personal victories.
Across every story, there was a common thread: success did not always come from big accomplishments. Often, it showed up quietly in perseverance, mindset, and the decision to keep going.
Around the event, small acts of support quietly took shape. At the Blue Lips Message Board, visitors paused to write heartfelt notes on lip-shaped stickers, filling the space with words of encouragement and solidarity. Some messages offered strength. Others simply said, “You are not alone.” Together, they formed a quiet yet powerful reminder that no one living with PH is alone in their journey.
More than anything, Blue Lips 2025 highlighted the importance of community. Patients came together to share openly, finding comfort and encouragement in one another’s experiences. For those living with PH, it was an opportunity to feel seen and understood. For others, it offered a deeper appreciation of what living with PH truly means.
In the end, the event was not just about awareness. It was about people – their stories, their resilience, and the quiet courage that carries them forward each day.
Blue lips are not always caused by the cold — they can be a sign of low oxygen levels in the blood, a condition known as cyanosis, which is common in people with PH. If you notice symptoms such as blue lips, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain, do seek medical attention promptly.
Founded by PH survivor Mohd Amin Mubaruk with the support of his cardiologist, A/Prof James Yip, Executive Director of NUHCS, PHSG is a support group dedicated to raising awareness of PH, supporting patients and their families, and advocating for better access to care. Through the group’s mission and work, PHSG continues to foster a strong and connected community for those living with PH.
