Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and chronic condition that causes high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. There is no defined cause of the same and you will have to manage it with regular medications and changes in your lifestyle. Here are some lifestyle tips that will help you handle the condition better.

Monitor your salt intake
People with PAH tend to retain water in their bodies quite easily. This water retention leads to a condition called edema. To avoid this, experts suggest limiting salt intake to about 2,000 mg a day. Apart from adding lesser salt to your food, you should also stay away from canned, frozen, and packaged foods that are all high in sodium.

Sleep adequately
When you have trouble sleeping at night, it can cause the condition to deteriorate. It can even increase your arterial blood pressure. Many people with PAH suffer from sleep disorders like apnea. One of the main lifestyle changes for pulmonary arterial hypertension is to ensure that you get eight full hours of sleep. You should also try getting a 60-minute nap during the day.

Restrict fluid intake
Because of edema, people with PAH are put on a liquid-restricted diet. You should limit your liquid intake to two liters a day. This includes water and other liquids.

Build your stamina slowly
Another lifestyle tip for pulmonary arterial hypertension is to go slow with your workouts. Not many people with PAH are able to lift heavy weights, run, or participate in an intense workout session right away. However, being active is healthy habit. Make sure you slowly build your stamina without putting too much pressure on your lungs or heart.

Stay away from caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine can increase your blood pressure and is a harmful stimulant for the body. Staying away from all kinds of caffeinated drinks is a good choice when you are diagnosed with PAH. Another important lifestyle change is to stay away from alcohol. Alcohol can be even more damaging than caffeine. It can cause abnormal changes in blood pressure, which can put unwanted stress on the heart.

Know your body
Some people with PAH may react poorly to a particular food item, while others with the condition may remain unaffected by it. Maintain a food and lifestyle journal and write down instances and factors that triggered pulmonary arterial hypertension. This will help you stay away from those triggers.

All these lifestyle changes for pulmonary arterial hypertension will help you manage your condition better on an everyday basis. Do not forget to take your medications and visit the hospital right away if you experience signs of distress or pain.