Lifestyle and home remedies

Although medical treatment can't cure pulmonary hypertension, it can lessen symptoms. Lifestyle changes also may help improve your condition. Consider these tips:

• Get plenty of rest. Resting can reduce fatigue related to pulmonary hypertension.

• Stay as active as possible. Even the mildest forms of activity might be too exhausting for some people who have pulmonary hypertension. For others, moderate exercise, such as walking, might be beneficial — especially when done during oxygen therapy. But first, talk to your doctor about your specific exercise restrictions.

  Usually, it's recommended that people with pulmonary hypertension not lift heavy weights. Your doctor can help you plan an appropriate exercise program.

• Don't smoke. If you smoke, the most important thing you can do for your heart and lungs 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 pregnancy and birth control pills. Pulmonary hypertension can cause serious complications to both mom and her baby. Birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor about alternative forms of birth control.
• Don't travel to or live at high altitudes. High altitudes can worsen the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. If you live at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) or higher, your doctor might recommend that you move to a lower altitude.
• Avoid situations that can excessively lower blood pressure. These include sitting in a hot tub or sauna or taking long hot baths or showers. Such activities lower blood pressure and can cause fainting or even death. Also avoid activities that cause prolonged straining, such as lifting heavy objects or weights.
• Eat healthy and manage your weight. Eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Avoid saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Your doctor may recommend limiting the amount of salt in your diet. Aim to maintain a healthy weight.
• Ask your doctor about medications. Take all your medications as prescribed. Ask your doctor about any other medications before taking them, as some can interfere with pulmonary hypertension treatments or make your symptoms worse.
• Get regular doctor checkups. Your doctor may recommend regular follow-up appointments. Let your doctor know if you have any questions about your condition or the medications you're taking, or if you have any symptoms or side effects from your medications. If pulmonary hypertension affects your quality of life, ask your doctor about options that could help. Your doctor may work with another specialist to determine and manage the best drug treatment for pulmonary hypertension.
• Get recommended vaccines. Your doctor may recommend getting Covid-19, influenza and pneumonia vaccines, as these conditions can cause serious issues for people with pulmonary hypertension.
• Get support. If you're feeling stressed or worried due to your condition, get support from family or friends. Or consider joining a support group with others who have pulmonary hypertension.