Pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed when high blood pressure affects the blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the lungs. Symptoms can include fatigue, trouble breathing and dizziness. Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by a congenital defect or be secondary to a lung or heart condition. Medication, oxygen therapy, surgery and gentle exercise may all be part of the treatment program and it is also important to eat a heart healthy diet. Given the seriousness of this condition, a physician or registered dietitian should be involved when planning a pulmonary hypertension diet.
Low Sodium
A diet to control pulmonary hypertension needs to be low in sodium. Sodium causes the body to retain fluid and the more fluid in the body, the more the heart has to pump. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association suggests talking with a physician about what a safe level is based on personal health and risk factors. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone aim to consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium, which is equal to 3/4 teaspoon, each day. The best way to reduce sodium intake is to avoid shaking salt on food and adding salt to foods when cooking. It's also important to read nutrition labels to find how much sodium foods contain. Try to choose sodium-free foods, or foods that contain less than 5 mg of sodium per serving whenever possible.
Low Fat
Too much saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol in the diet can contribute to plaque buildup along blood vessel walls, which can worsen any form of heart disease. Trans fats are the worst fats and you should eliminate them from your diet. Trans fats are found in foods that are partially hydrogenated such as cookies, crackers and baked goods. Your cholesterol intake should not exceed 300 mg and may even need to be lower according to individual circumstance and instructions from your doctor. Saturated fats should make up no more than 10 percent of daily calorie intake, which means limiting or avoiding whole dairy products, fats that are solid at room temperature and palm and coconut oils. Most of your daily fat intake should come from unsaturated fats such as olive and canola oils. However, your total fat intake should not exceed 30 percent of your total caloric intake.
Calorie Control
Carrying extra pounds places an extra workload on the heart, so maintaining a healthy weight is essential for those with pulmonary hypertension. Most of your daily calorie intake should come from fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains, which can help you feel full and satisfied longer, while you are controlling your calorie intake. If weight loss is necessary, discuss your caloric needs and formulate a weight loss plan with a health care professional.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Eating a diet rich in vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid found mainly in oranges, will also help as these nutrients have been found to improve lung function, according to the Physician's Desk Reference website. You should also consume antioxidants, which are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and vegetable oils, on a pulmonary hypertensive diet.
References
- Pulmonary Hypertension Association: Controlling Salt and Sodium Consumption
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Living With Pulmonary Hypertension
- MayoClinic.com: Pulmonary Hypertension Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Physicians Desk Reference Everyday Health, Inc: Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment
- American Heart Association: Sodium Recommendations
