PAH Lifestyle

Just as living a healthy lifestyle was important before diagnosis, people with pulmonary arterial hypertension may want to make an effort to eat well and remain as active as possible.

For PAH patients, certain foods and vitamins might interact with medication, contribute to edema (the buildup of excess body fluid) or increase nausea and discomfort.

Be sure and ask your doctor about any dietary restrictions; if any herbs, supplements or medications you're currently taking interact with your PAH treatment; if you're a candidate for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation; and what kind of exercise you can and cannot do.

Some general dietary suggestions include:

• Controlling your intake of salt and foods high in sodium¹²

  Fluid retention is a common problem for people with PAH. Reducing the amount of salt and foods high in sodium is one way to relieve water build up. Try using herbs or salt free seasonings during cooking, and reduce or eliminate salting your food at the table. Also, shop for foods that are sodium free or low in sodium. Remember to always check nutrition labels.

• Monitoring Fluid Intake¹³

  Cutting back on fluids is another way to avoid swelling and fluid retention. Many patients are told to restrict their fluid intake to two liters (2000 ccs) per day, but since each patient is different, you should talk to your PAH specialist about what's right for you.

• Avoiding Nausea¹⁴

  Some PAH patients experience nausea as a side effect of treatment. Try eating smaller meals, limiting fluid intake and avoiding fatty foods. Avoiding carbonated and acidic beverages is also a good idea. Stick to ice water, ice chips and herbal teas. When nausea does occur, taking a bite of a cracker or piece of dry bread can help.