Pulmonary Hypertension and Obesity:
Tips on Losing Weight and Decreasing Symptoms
Pulmonary hypertension is defined as abnormally elevated blood pressure in the arteries, veins, or capillaries of the lungs. Individuals with this condition suffer from shortness of breath, dizziness, faintness, chest pain, and fatigue. All of these symptoms are exacerbated by even mild activity or exertion. Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic disease and no cure is available at this time. If the lung arteries are affected, the heart has difficulty pumping blood through the lungs resulting in impaired blood flow and over exertion by the heart. This could potentially result in heart failure.
The most common cause of pulmonary hypertension is breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis, or severe asthma. A direct link between pulmonary hypertension and obesity has not been found. Obesity-related diseases, however, such as sleep apnea, COPD, and blood clots in the lungs directly increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension. Statistics show that older obese men have the highest risk of sleep apnea. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 60% of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea are overweight or obese. By following some key lifestyle changes, pulmonary hypertension can be better managed or prevented and weight loss can be achieved.
1. Adequate sleep. Most professionals recommend at least 8 hours of sleep each night. One of the major symptoms of pulmonary hypertension is fatigue which can be relieved if adequate sleep is obtained.
2. Get active and stay as active as possible. Even mild activity such as slow walking or biking can be beneficial. It may be necessary to carry an oxygen tank during exercise. Avoid activities that involve straining or lifting heavy objects. It is not recommended to lift objects over 25 pounds. Always talk with your doctor prior to starting any exercise routine.
3. Minimize salt intake. Patients with pulmonary hypertension should reduce salt intake to prevent further increase in blood pressure. Most healthcare professionals recommend reducing salt intake to no more than 1500-2400 mg a day. Your doctor may also recommend a fluid restriction.
4. Eat a diet high in potassium. Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, green beans, peas, lima beans, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes are not only good sources of potassium but also contain needed magnesium and fiber. Fruits including apples, apricots, bananas, grapes, oranges, mangoes, melons, peaches, strawberries, and tangerines are high in potassium.
5. Eat lean chicken and fish. Avoid fatty meats that will increase saturated and trans fats. Select only lean meats and make sure to trim away all visible fat. The healthiest cooking methods include broiling, roasting, and poaching. Aim for 5-6 ounces of lean meat daily and include fish 2-3 times a week.
6. Consume nuts, seeds, and legumes. According to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) meal plan, 4-5 servings of nuts, seeds, and legume should be consumed weekly. Be careful of portion sizes. A serving of nuts is 1 1/2ounces, legumes 1/2 cup cooked, and seeds only 1/2 an ounce. Over consumption can lead to weight gain. Try adding almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, or walnuts to salads, yogurts, or cereal.
7. Eat low fat dairy products. Choose skim or 1% milk and cottage cheese. Low fat yogurt and fat-free or low-fat cheeses are also great sources of calcium and protein. Aim for 2-3 servings daily.
8. Track your calories. Keep a food journal for 3 days and find the average number of calories being consumed on a daily basis. Use a calorie calculator to determine the number of calories needed to maintain current body weight. In order to lose weight, reduce calories by 250-500 daily. A 250 calorie deficit produces a 2 pound loss each month while a 500 calorie deficit will create a 4 pound loss monthly.
9. Find a stress reduction technique you enjoy. Stress is difficult on all organs but especially the heart and lungs. Perform some form of relaxation technique daily. Try deep breathing, guided imagery, massage, or yoga. Take five minutes out of every day to focus on reducing stress.
10. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. The DASH eating plan recommends 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Make sure to combine different colored vegetables into your weekly plan. Orange, red, yellow, and green products all provide the body with different nutrients.
Sources:
- www.sleepapnea.org
- www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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