Mar 14, 2011 Susan Hettiaratchi

The Lung – commons.wikimedia.orgPulmonary hypertension is a life-changing illness. PH can be unpredictable, and preparing for the unexpected can make a big difference in quality of life.

Pulmonary Hypertension or PH, is the general term used to describe high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries from any cause. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, or PAH, is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries from diseases that affect the small vessels of the lung, causing them to narrow and impede blood flow. Pulmonary hypertension is a life-changing illness. Although lifestyle changes may be necessary, many patients continue to lead fulfilling lives. this is important to keep in mind. A person with pulmonary hypertension may adjust their lifestyles to better cope with the disease.

Smoking is a no no with pulmonary hypertension

Smoking makes PH symptoms worse. if you smoke, quit. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure in PH

CO poisoning is potentially fatal for everyone, but is even more threatening for PH patients. CO is odorless and colorless. it may leak from a poorly vented furnace or other fuel-burner. A CO detector can be plugged into an electrical outlet in your house and should be a priority.

Diet and Weight Management with PH

Follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. it also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, and fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. A healthy diet also is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugar.

Sodium helps regulate the balance of fluids in the body. when water builds up in your tissues (a common problem for PH patients), the volume of blood your heart has to pump also increases. One of the most effective ways of alleviating this condition is to reduce the amount of salt in your diet. Practical tips are to never add salt when preparing foods, check labels, and count your daily salt consumption.

You should weigh yourself at the same time each day. if you notice a rapid weight gain (2 or more pounds in 1 day or 5 or more pounds in 1 week), notify your doctor. this may be a sign that your condition is worsening.

Exercise in PH

Do regular physical activity, such as walking. this will keep your muscles strong and help you stay active. Talk to your doctor about how much activity is safe for you. Exercise is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but the symptoms of PH under exertion make it difficult for many patients to find the right type of activity. many PH patients become short of breath under mild to moderate exertion. Healthy exercise programs might include Cardiovascular activities such as walking, biking and swimming, or activities focusing on muscle tone, such as stretching or arm and leg lifts. Light functional resistance exercises. Plan to incorporate frequent breaks.

Communication with PH

Beyond managing physical and emotional health, communicating the changes to family and friends is a challenge that every PH patient faces. many have developed strategies for getting through those days when they don’t feel their best, and helping others around them understand these changes. Dealing with shortness of breath is a challenge. find ways to incorporate every day events into these episodes, such as stopping to window shop or enjoying the scenery.

Many patients find that certain activities, like bending over frequently, exacerbates symptoms. Keep often-used items (whether in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or laundry) at eye-level. A person with PH may find it helpful to build up furniture and fixtures. Use cinderblocks to raise the dryer four to six inches and avoid having to bend over to change loads. some patients use self-installed seats that add about six inches to a regular commode.

Life with pulmonary hypertension is an ongoing lesson in flexibility. Household tasks that exacerbate PH symptoms may require thoughtful planning. PH can be unpredictable, and preparing for the unexpected can make a big difference in quality of life.

Support Groups

Find a PHA support group of peers near you who understand what you’re going through. Support each other about life with PH and learn from expert presenters.

PHA’s Patient Survival Guide

Pulmonary hypertension is a life-changing illness. Although lifestyle changes may be necessary, many patients continue to lead fulfilling lives. whether working, traveling or performing day-to-day tasks, PH patients benefit from the experience of thousands of other patients who have learned to manage their illness. Much of this knowledge is shared in PHA’s Patient’s Survival Guide, a regularly updated and definitive resource for learning about and living with PH.

Overview of PH

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, one of several institutes under the National Institutes of Health of the US Department of Health and Human Services, provides a comprehensive overview of pulmonary hypertension.

Personal Experience with pulmonary hypertensionMy diagnosis came as an unwanted Christmas present one year ago. I have myasthenia gravis, which causes muscle weakness and fatigue. when I became even more fatigued and very short of breath in walking even short distances, I made an appointment with my primary care physician. Recognizing that the signs and symptoms I was experiencing required an evaluation by a specialist, an urgent appointment was made with a pulmonologist. after several office visits including an echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, oximetry with exercise, laboratory tests, I was scheduled for a cardiac catheterization the day before Christmas eve. My pulmonologist was present with the cardiovascular specialist as the procedure was done. My pressure reading was 18 – not abnormally high and not caused by any cardiac abnormality. this was good news! My pulmonologist started me on a diuretic twice a day with supplemental potassium, and recommended a trip to the sleep lab for determining if sleep apnea was an issue

Disclaimer: the information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.

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