While they share the word "hypertension" in their description, pulmonary hypertension differs from the more common forms of high blood pressure. Cuff-measured blood pressure tests determine the amount of pressure the left side of the heart exerts as it pumps blood to every part of the body, except the lungs. In contrast, pulmonary hypertension describes a high blood pressure condition that affects the lungs. Doctors advise pulmonary hypertension patients to minimize sodium consumption.
Bloat Control
Some pulmonologists prescribe diuretics to alleviate the foot, ankle and abdominal bloating that characterizes pulmonary hypertension. Fluid buildup, explains the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, increases your blood volume and raises your pressures. Since sodium consumption may cause fluid retention and bloating, Dr. Trenton Nauser, in a May 2001 article featured in "American Family Physician," suggests combining diuretic treatments with a reduced sodium diet. A two to three pound daily weight gain may indicate excess fluid retention.
Right-Sided Heart Failure
Right-sided heart failure is a complication of pulmonary hypertension. This potentially fatal disease weakens the heart, impeding its salt-removing efficiency and exacerbating the existing ankle and abdominal bloating. Since the heart has to work harder to pump out the excess sodium, pulmonary pressures, and the resulting fatigue, increase. Alyson Chin, a nurse practitioner at the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital, suggests limiting daily sodium to 2,000 mg.
Low Salt vs. Low Sodium
While people use the words "low salt" and "low sodium" diet interchangeably, there are subtle distinctions between the two terms. A low salt diet limits the amount of table salt you add to your food. In contrast, a low sodium diet refers to processed foods that use salt in the preparation. Examples include food additives such as monosodium glutamate and baking soda, cooking sprays, canned soups and chewable antacid tablets. For added flavor, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association suggests adding spices such as bay leaves, garlic, ginger, dry mustard, onion and rosemary.
Potassium
Potassium, found in certain fruits and vegetables, aids in sodium excretion, and helps your body maintain its fluid balance. Pulmonary hypertension patients often face a potassium dilemma. Their doctors prescribe a diuretic, which assists in controlling fluid retention, but the diuretics also cause patients to excrete potassium. Nutritionist Maureen Kane, author of the nutrition chapter in the 2010, "Pulmonary Hypertension Patient's Survival Guide," suggests adding additional high-potassium foods to a low salt and sodium diet.
References
- Pulmonary Hypertension Association: Controlling Salt and Sodium Consumption
- British Columbia Pulmonary Hypertension Society; Maintaining Fluid Balance in Pulmonary Hypertension; Alyson Chin
- Colorado State University:; Potassium and Health; J. Anderson; August 2008
- "Pulmonary Hypertension: A Patient's Survival Guide"; Gail Boyer Hayes; 2010
