Health Tip: Living With Pulmonary Hypertension

(HealthDay News) -- Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the arteries inside the lungs narrow, restricting blood flow and increasing blood pressure in those arteries.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers these guidelines to help manage pulmonary hypertension:

• Schedule regular checkups with your doctor, and ask questions about any symptoms and the safety of over-the-counter medications.
• Weigh yourself regularly, and alert your doctor to any significant or rapid changes in your weight.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Maintain a healthy diet, full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low in fat, salt and cholesterol.
• Get plenty of exercise, but check with your doctor to see if there is any activity you should avoid.
• To help manage your emotional health, consider working with a therapist or counselor.