July 20th (Saturday) [Story] Do you know about the rare disease called 'Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension'?

Pulmonary hypertension refers to a condition where the pulmonary artery, the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs, becomes narrowed, leading to increased pressure. It is a representative rare and intractable disease with an estimated 5,000 patients in Korea.

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I was undergoing a health checkup when I was told there was an abnormality in my face.

I went to a university hospital for a check-up and was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. The causes vary, but in my case, they said it was likely caused by complications from childhood heart surgery. Fortunately, they also said it is not severe enough to require lifelong medication, so I am now relieved and trying to exercise regularly and adopt healthy eating habits. I am taking health foods and foods that are good for pulmonary health, and my symptoms of shortness of breath have improved significantly, along with fatigue and cold extremities.

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🔸️ Causes of pulmonary hypertension

 

The causes of pulmonary hypertension arise from a wide variety of factors, among which the most common causes include genetics, medication use, toxins, systemic sclerosis, congenital heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. However, there is also idiopathic pulmonary hypertension that occurs without a specific cause. Additionally, factors such as diet pills that stimulate the autonomic nervous system, humidifier disinfectants, and cirrhosis of the liver can also contribute to pulmonary hypertension.

 

🔸️Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension

 

When pulmonary hypertension occurs, the amount of blood circulating through the lungs decreases, which can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. Additionally, if the pulmonary circulation is not functioning smoothly, the heart works harder to supply blood, increasing pressure in the pulmonary vessels and the heart, which can cause swelling and fainting. Other symptoms that may occur as signs of pulmonary hypertension include chest pain, dizziness, fainting, chronic fatigue, dry cough, hemoptysis, and cold extremities. Therefore, if you are experiencing many of these symptoms, do not dismiss them lightly and seek more accurate testing.

 

🔸️Ways to lower high blood pressure

 

People with high blood pressure should exercise regularly, especially aerobic exercises such as swimming, jump rope, tennis, cycling, walking, and jogging. Additionally, overweight or obese individuals should aim to lose weight and limit the intake of foods that typically cause high blood pressure, such as spicy, salty, greasy foods, and foods high in sugar. It is also beneficial to consume a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits in sufficient quantities. In particular, some foods contain nutrients that are rich in promoting vascular health, and these foods should be consumed consistently.

 

Foods good for pulmonary hypertension