You’ve heard of hypertension – that notorious high blood pressure that doctors often warn about. But there’s another player in the game: pulmonary hypertension (PH). It’s not your everyday blood pressure issue. This one’s about the pressure in the vessels of your lungs, and it’s a whole different ball game.
Surprisingly, about 1 percent of the global population grapples with pulmonary hypertension. This means that one in every 100 people deals with PH, making it more common than many realize.
What is Pulmonary Artery Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension (PAH) isn’t just your standard high blood pressure—it’s a specialized condition that specifically targets the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart.
In the case of pulmonary hypertension, the blood pressure within the lungs rises above normal levels. This elevation places a significant strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder than usual. Over time, this strain can damage the heart, sending it into right-sided heart failure.
PAH typically presents with shortness of breath. Other common symptoms may include chest pain, lightheadedness, racing heart, and fatigue.
Pulmonary artery hypertension is typically grouped into one of five categories:
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) -Blood vessels in the lungs are narrowed or blocked.
- PAH due to left-sided heart issues – Most prevalent type in the U.S., typically linked to conditions like left heart failure.
- PAH arising from lung diseases and low oxygen.
- PAH as a result of obstructions, like blood clots or scars in the pulmonary artery.
- PAH with causes that are either unknown or due to other disorders.
Contributing Factors in Pulmonary Hypertension
Most healthcare providers might admit they’re stumped about the exact origins of PAH and suggest there’s little to be done. However, evidence suggests that nature offers multiple avenues to influence our health positively. With pulmonary hypertension, certain environmental factors can indeed shape its onset or intensify its symptoms. Here’s a closer look.
Dietary Choices: A diet laden with processed foods and deficient in essential nutrients can contribute to the onset and progression of PH. Studies have found that many patients with PAH suffer from significant malnutrition and gut disturbances.
Foods that promote inflammation can affect heart and lung function, increasing the risk of developing the condition. Eating a nutrient-rich diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can help slow the progression of PAH.
- Lack of Sunlight: Sunlight exposure is crucial for vitamin D synthesis in our bodies. A deficiency in vitamin D, often resulting from inadequate sunlight, has been linked to various cardiovascular conditions, including PH.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Our bodies are designed to move. A lack of regular physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle can decrease cardiovascular fitness, making the heart and lungs more susceptible to conditions like PH. Historically, patients with PH have been advised not to exercise. However, research reveals that exercise improves the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension and quality of life.
- Poor Sleep Patterns: Rest is nature’s way of healing and rejuvenating the body. Chronic sleep deprivation or irregular sleep patterns can stress the cardiovascular system. Over time, this stress can become a factor in the development or exacerbation of PH.
- Environmental Pollutants: Our increasing exposure to certain environmental toxins can play a role. Prolonged inhalation of polluted air or exposure to certain chemicals can negatively impact lung health and, in turn, contribute to PH.
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Next Steps
For many dealing with a pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis, the path ahead may seem daunting. A common refrain in the medical community is that PH is irreversible, cementing it as a lifelong challenge.
However, here’s a different perspective: every health condition stems from underlying causes. If we delve deep and address those root causes, the potential to turn the tide exists. At the very least, you can slow the progression and maintain a better quality of life.
If you or someone dear to you has pulmonary hypertension, you’re not alone in this journey. Consider taking advantage of a free 20-minute consult with one of our seasoned health coaches. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge, understanding, and empathy to the table. Together, you can explore evidence-based strategies to keep pulmonary hypertension at bay.
