Certain foods and vitamins may not interact well with your medication and can contribute to edema (the buildup of excess body fluid) or increase nausea and discomfort.

With the right guidance, you can begin to make smart choices to feel better and help you:

  • Reduce strain on your heart and lungs
  • Improve your energy levels
  • Manage symptoms like swelling or shortness of breath
  • Support overall better quality of life

Why food choices matter

Your food choices matter. Some food or drinks can make symptoms worse while others help.

With PH, your body may be more sensitive to:

Healthful eating

Fresh fruit and vegetables

  • Great source of vitamins and fiber
  • Incorporate foods in a variety of colors into your diet: green, red, orange, and yellow
  • Fresh and frozen is best but avoid added sauces and salt

Whole grains

  • Brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal and quinoa
  • Provide a great source of energy and fiber

Lean protein (without marinades or additives)

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Pork
  • Beef

Low sodium food (check labels)

  • Cream cheese
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Swiss cheese
  • Low-fat dairy

Healthy fats (in small amounts)

  • Olive oil
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Avocado

High sodium foods (2000 mg sodium restriction)

  • Canned food
  • Deli meat
  • Chips
  • Frozen meals
  • Processed food
  • Pickled food

Too much fluid

Alcohol and caffeine

Supplements

Monitor your fluid intake

Too much fluid can lead to swelling and make it difficult to breathe. Many PH patients are often told to limit what they drink and placed on a two-liter (2000cc) fluid restriction, but each patient is different so consult your PH specialist.

Tips for tracking fluid intake

  • Count all liquid, even water used to take your pills.
  • Include soup, Jell-O, Popsicles and sherbet.
  • One cup of ice equals a half cup of water.
  • Monitor your weight. Sudden weight gain could make you retain fluid.
  • Check in with your doctor if you notice significant changes.

Maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight and setting consistent fitness goals can help to reduce strain on the heart and lungs and aid in an improved quality of life.

Aim for a healthy BMI

Body Mass Index is a guideline for healthy weight. While the BMI is not perfect, aiming for a number in the healthy range is considered a sensible target. Work with your health care team to develop appropriate and realistic weight loss goals for you.

  • A healthy BMI should rest between 18.5 and 24.9 unless advised differently by your health care team.
  • Determine your BMI using the following calculation: Weight (lbs) / (Height (in) x Height (in) x 703. Example: For someone who weighs 200 pounds and is 5 foot 5 in (66 inches), their BMI will be 32.3. This is overweight.

BMI
=

200
pounds
×
703

66
2

BMI results:

  • Underweight: less than 18.5
  • Healthy: 18.5- 24.9
  • Overweight: 25-29.9
  • Obese: greater than 30
  • With PH, being overweight can increase the strain on your heart and lungs and being underweight can lead to muscle loss or other nutritional deficiencies.

Track your calories

Knowing your daily caloric intake can help you identify struggles and reach your weight goals.

  • To lose one pound, you need to be in a deficit of 3,500 calories
  • To lose one to two pounds a week, aim for 500-1,000 fewer calories each day through eating changes and activity.
  • Choose balanced, lower sodium meals rather than skipping meals.

Stay active – safely

Movement helps keep your muscles strong and supports heart and lung health. But with PH, exercise must be done carefully.

  • Consider cardiopulmonary rehabilitation – this monitored exercise program is designed for people with activity limitations.
  • Walking is safe for most – go at your own pace and rest when needed.
  • Stop and rest if you notice worsening symptoms.
  • Ask your doctor before trying more intense exercise.

Keep a daily journal

  • Track what you eat and drink.
  • Monitor sodium and fluid intake.
  • Record weight changes.
  • Spot patterns in your food or exercise that can affect your symptoms.

Maintaining a healthful diet with PH

Keep in mind that your needs are unique. It is extremely important before deciding to embark on a diet/exercise program or before considering starting additional supplements/medications that you discuss your plan with your team. Your doctor can help you decide on a healthy plan to meet your goals. Remember, they are there to help.

Your care team

Learn more about diet and nutrition

Download Navigating Pulmonary Hypertension: A Guide for Newly Diagnosed Patients .

Navigating PH