Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myPHteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
March 16
 · 
Reactions
A myPHteam Member

@A myPHteam Member Thank you for your thoughts. I am already on a very strict low sodium (under 2000 mg/day) diet. When I do have a weight gain, or fluid retention, it has proven to be due to an illness or a surgical procedure where I was given saline drips. My doctor will generally have me double my Lasix for a 3 day period which historically has corrected the weight gain and fluid retention.

March 16
A myPHteam Member

Add Boiled patato in diet and less salt

March 16
A myPHteam Member

I have to keep a daily weight log for my PH doctor and any overnight where I gain 3 pounds or more I am to call the clinic.

March 16 (edited)
myPHteam

Can pulmonary hypertension cause weight changes?

Yes, pulmonary hypertension can definitely cause weight changes, and it's important to monitor these fluctuations closely.

Weight gain is particularly common with PH and can happen for a few reasons:

Fluid Retention: This is one of the main causes of weight gain with PH Show Full Answer

Can pulmonary hypertension cause weight changes?

Yes, pulmonary hypertension can definitely cause weight changes, and it's important to monitor these fluctuations closely.

Weight gain is particularly common with PH and can happen for a few reasons:

Fluid Retention: This is one of the main causes of weight gain with PH. When your heart isn't functioning as effectively, your body can retain fluid, leading to swelling in your ankles, feet, and abdomen. As one myPHteam member shared, "During summertime, the swelling due to water retention is almost unbearable."

Reduced Activity: PH symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue can make exercise difficult, which may lead to weight gain if your diet stays the same while your activity level decreases.

Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat PH or related conditions, particularly corticosteroids, can increase appetite and cause weight gain.

Your doctor may recommend weighing yourself daily to monitor for sudden changes. A weight gain of 3-4 pounds in a day could indicate fluid retention and should be reported to your healthcare team right away.

It's also worth noting that maintaining a healthy weight is important because extra weight makes your heart work harder and increases your body's oxygen needs.

March 16

Related Questions

View All
A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Manalapan, NJ

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Perrysburg, OH