Pulmonary hypertension is best described as an increased amount of pressure within the pulmonary arteries, which are the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. With this form of hypertension, the vessels narrow or become blocked, inhibiting blood flow and elevating the pressure placed on the arterial walls. While there's currently no cure for pulmonary hypertension, certain lifestyle changes can help improve your condition.
Sodium
Controlling your sodium intake is a dietary change you can make to improve pulmonary hypertension. A good goal is no more than 2,400 mg a day, however, the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg each day. Your doctor can help you determine the appropriate amount for you.
To reduce your sodium intake, don't just stop using salt to the preparation of meals. Educate yourself on those foods high in salt or sodium. Some of the biggest culprits include canned soups and vegetables, bagged snacks, prepackaged meals, meal helpers, tomato sauces and condiments.
Food
Besides limiting your intake of sodium, follow a healthy diet which incorporates plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You can also eat moderate amounts of lean meats, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy. These foods provide a number of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential to your health. A good goal is 6 to 8 servings of grains, 4 to 5 servings of vegetables, 4 to 5 servings of fruits, 2 to 3 servings of low-fat dairy and 6 oz. of lean meats, poultry or fish each day.
Fat
While incorporating healthier foods into your diet, limit your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and dietary cholesterol. The American Heart Association suggests limiting your saturated fat intake to no more than 7 percent of your daily calories and trans fat to no more than 1 percent. With dietary cholesterol, a good goal is fewer than 300 mg a day.
Calories
When living with pulmonary hypertension, it's also important to maintain a healthy weight, especially if you're overweight or obese. Reducing your caloric intake by limiting portion sizes can help with weight loss, but you may see a reduction in calories by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which contain far fewer calories than most processed foods.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Pulmonary Hypertension
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Pulmonary Hypertension
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH
- Pulmonary Hypertension Association: Diet and Nutrition
- American Heart Association: Sodium (Salt or Sodium Chloride)
- American Heart Association: Know Your Fats
