6 Food Tips for Managing PAH
Pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, is a disease characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that travel from the right side of the heart to the lungs. Several factors can trigger the problem, including sleep apnea and COPD. Patients usually experience shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, etc. Although medication is a must to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, specific food changes can also help manage the symptoms. 1. Reduce fluid intake Doctors recommend pulmonary arterial hypertension patients drink lesser fluids. This is because their bodies cannot flush out excess liquids, and it tends to build up in the system, causing swelling and other symptoms. Ideally, fluid intake should be reduced to around two liters per day. However, one can determine the actual quantity only after consulting a doctor. It also depends on the weight of an individual. 2. Avoid salty foods Since high blood pressure is the primary symptom of the disease, reducing the amount of salt in the meals is advised. Salt is a catalyst for blood pressure, and it can spike the levels almost immediately. Besides limiting salt in the meals, one should also avoid junk food, such as French fries and chips, to keep blood pressure in check.