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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough medical treatment can't cure pulmonary hypertension, it can lessen symptoms. You should also:
- Get plenty of rest. Getting ample rest can reduce the fatigue that may accompany pulmonary hypertension.
- Stay as active as possible. Even the mildest forms of activity may be too exhausting for some people with pulmonary hypertension. For others, moderate exercise such as walking may be of great benefit, and using oxygen during exercise may be especially helpful. But first, talk to your doctor aboutspecific exercise restrictions. In most cases, it's recommended that you not lift more than 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms). Your doctor can help you plan an appropriate exercise program.
- Don't smoke. If you smoke, the single most important thing you can do for your heart and lung health is to stop. If you can't stop smoking by yourself, ask your doctor to prescribe a treatment plan to help you quit. Also, avoid secondhand smoke if possible.
- Avoid becoming pregnant or using birth control pills. If you're a woman of childbearing age, avoid becoming pregnant. Pregnancy can be life-threatening for both you and your baby. Also avoid using birth control pills, which can increase your risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor about alternative forms of birth control.
- Avoid traveling to or living at high altitudes. High altitudes can aggravate the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. If you live at a high altitude, your doctor may advise you to move to a lower elevation.
- Avoid situations that can excessively lower blood pressure. These include sitting in a hot tub or sauna or taking long hot baths or showers. These activities lower your blood pressure and cause fainting or even death. You should also avoid activities that cause prolonged straining, such as lifting heavy objects or weights.
- Find ways to reduce stress. These can range from yoga, meditation and biofeedback to warm baths, music or a good book. Try to allow at least 30 minutes a day for an activity you find relaxing. Many people with pulmonary hypertension find that simply reducing stress can greatly improve the quality of their lives.
- Follow a nutritious diet and maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor for guidelines regarding salt intake. For most people with pulmonary hypertension sodium (salt) restriction will be recommended to minimize swelling of your body's tissues (edema). Most experts agree that you should eat no more than 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams of salt a day. Keep in mind that processed foods often are very high in salt content, so it will be important to check labels carefully.
