Primary pulmonary hypertension, a rare lung disorder, raises the blood pressure in your pulmonary arteries. These arteries act as pick-up and delivery agents, transporting blood to your heart and lungs, where your blood picks up oxygen. Increased pressure in these vessels increases blood flow resistance, and forces the heart to work harder than normal. Some pulmonologists recommend dietary modification for patients suffering from this disorder.
Role of Diet
When your arterial blood vessel resistance demands more work from your heart, the increased workload causes dizziness, fatigue, chest pain and racing pulse. Proper diet minimizes the symptoms of the disease, as well as the side effects of the medication used to treat it. Dietary modification will not cure primary pulmonary, hypertension, says nutritionist Maureen Keane, author of the nutrition chapter in the book titled "Pulmonary Hypertension: A Patient's Survival Guide." Appropriate diet helps you control your weight and reduce the edema or swelling associated with primary pulmonary hypertension.
Weight Control
Primary pulmonary hypertension does not always result from a sedentary lifestyle. Some people contract the disease while living a highly active lifestyle, but in a high altitude environment. Others have spent years taking diet drugs such as Redux, which may have increased energy levels and reduced appetite at the expense of their health. Pulmonary hypertension severely reduces your ability to perform intense strength and cardiovascular workouts. Eating the same diet you ate when you were active will probably cause significant weight gain. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association does not recommend a specific diet, but warns against high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets such as Atkins, says nutritionist Maureen Keane. Pulmonary hypertension patients, she explains, require the antioxidants found in fruit, vegetables, grains and nuts. Most high-protein diets do not allow ample consumption of these foods.
Avoiding Nausea
Primary pulmonary hypertension treatment drugs such as epoprostenol and treprostinil may cause nausea and vomiting, says the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Prevent nausea by eating smaller meals, and avoiding excess consumption of carbonated beverages. Greasy, fatty foods remain in your stomach for a longer time frame, thereby increasing the possibility of nausea and/or vomiting. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association suggests crackers, ice chips, herbal teas and fruit sorbets for alleviating the symptoms of nausea. Avoid lying down directly after eating.
Fluids
Primary pulmonary hypertension causes abdominal bloating, as well as swelling or edema in your legs and ankles. The increased pressure in your pulmonary arteries damages the vessels and causes blood back-up in your veins. This back-up causes fluid to leak into your surrounding tissues. Sudden weight gain may indicate excess fluid retention, says the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. While drinking extra glasses of water alleviates bloating in healthy individuals, this process does not work for primary pulmonary hypertension. In fact, many doctors restrict their patients to 8.6 cups of fluid each day, and include soup, gelatin, water and sorbet as fluids.
Sodium
Sodium has a direct relationship with bloating and edema. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association therefore agrees with the American heart Association consensus on sodium intake, and suggests consuming no more than 2,000 mg of sodium each day. Reduce your sodium intake by reading food labels on processed foods. Pickles, relish, potato chips, deli meats, ketchup and soy sauce have a high sodium content. Bell peppers, fresh garlic and lemon juice add flavor without adding sodium.
References
- "Pulmonary Hypertension; A Patient's Survival Guide"; Gail Boyer Hayes; 2010
- Cleavland Clinic: What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
- Pulmonology Hypertension Association: Managing Nausea and Vomiting
- Pulmonary Hypertension Association: Controlling Salt and Sodium Consumption
- Pulmonary Hypertension Association: Monitoring Your Fluid Intake
