Pulmonary Hypertension is curable by surgery; research for new treatments that can help lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life is ongoing. The earlier PH is treated, the easier it is to control. Treatments include medicines, procedures, a variety of other therapies, and in some cases, lifestyle changes can also help control symptoms, and increase lifespan. These treatments can relieve PH symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Participating in sports activities can improve physical resilience of patients who have PH; this should be discussed with a medical team in advance to determine the right level of activity. In some cases a lung transplant is necessary.
For pulmonary arterial hypertension, certain medicines may be used to decreases fluid retention or increase blood flow through the blood vessels.
-Calcium Channel Blockers: oral medication which relaxes the muscles around blood vessels allowing for better blood flow through the blood vessels.
-Digoxin: medication which may assist the pumping of the heart and moderation of electrical activity in the heart.
-Diuretics: medicines which help treat heart failure and fluid retention by stimulating the kidneys to increase urine output.1
-Supplemental Oxygen: Oxygen tanks provide the lungs with extra oxygen and can prevent heart failure in people who have severe lung disease.2
Lung transplantation may be necessary for patients who do not respond to medical therapy. There are three types of lung transplants a person with PH could possibly receive: single, double, or heart-lung transplant. A double lung transplant is the most common. Heart-lung transplants may be needed for patients who have poor heart function or have had irreparable heart structural problems since birth.3
-Eat foods that are low in sodium and avoid drinking, smoking, and junk food
- Low-impact resistance training and light to moderate aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming can increase strength and endurance
-Get at least eight hours of sleep a night and take naps as needed
- Set aside 30 minutes a day for chair yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, massage, or just some time to unwind
-Modify the house to minimize the need to bend over frequently. Use cinderblocks to raise the dryer and keep kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and laundry products at eye-level.