A rare but significant condition: My experience visiting the hospital after being diagnosed with pulmonary 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 approximately 5,000 patients in Korea.

 

I am a woman in my early 40s. Three years ago, I was walking, running, and climbing stairs for my health, but I almost fainted from dizziness and shortness of breath. I thought it was due to overexertion or stress, so I just ignored it.

However, while undergoing a health check-up, I was told there was an abnormality in my pulmonary artery, so I went to the hospital for tests and was diagnosed with 'pulmonary artery hypertension.' The causes vary, but in my case, since I had heart surgery as a child, they said it might have developed as a complication. I was deeply shocked to hear that pulmonary hypertension is rare and fatal. When I looked it up on the internet, I found that pulmonary hypertension is not associated with a long lifespan after detection. I couldn't find any hopeful stories.

 

So, I visited a medical institution specializing in pulmonary hypertension, and after undergoing an electrocardiogram and various tests, I was fortunately diagnosed as not being seriously ill enough to need lifelong medication. I am now relieved and trying hard to exercise regularly and adopt healthy eating habits.

 

Taking health foods and foods that are good for the lungs has helped improve symptoms like shortness of breath, and my fatigue and cold hands and feet have also significantly improved.

I bought roasted Maianthemum, which is said to be good for lung health, and I have been consistently taking it for about a year after exercising. Perhaps because of that, my symptoms of shortness of breath have improved a lot, and now I am very healthy!!^^

 

Pulmonary hypertension is said to be important to maintain regular exercise and healthy eating habits, so although running is still difficult, I am walking and climbing stairs, and I am trying to eat healthily with a nutritious diet.

 

🔸️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 or fatigue. Additionally, if the pulmonary circulation is not functioning smoothly, the heart must work 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 take 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

Blueberries, spinach, nuts, shiitake mushrooms

I always make sure to eat blueberries and nuts.

I eat blueberries on their own, with salads, or these days I blend frozen kiwi or banana into smoothies.

I also sprinkle nuts on salads or dishes or enjoy them as snacks.