Navigating Nutrition: Best Practices for Eating with PAH and Heart Failure

Living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) can feel like a balancing act — especially when it comes to what’s on your plate. Diet can play a significant role in managing your symptoms and supporting your overall well-being.

Here’s what I’ve learned about nutrition for PAH and heart failure, along with my personal experience:

🧂 Watch Your Sodium (Salt) Intake
Sodium can make your body retain fluid, leading to swelling (edema), shortness of breath, and extra strain on your already hardworking heart. Doctors often recommend keeping sodium intake below 1,500–2,000 mg per day. That means reading food labels, limiting processed foods (like canned soups and deli meats), and skipping the salt shaker.

Personally, I don’t add any salt to my homecooked meals, most ingredients have an absurd amount of sodium in them already, and it’s easier for us to just add per each persons liking vs me adding it for everyone. Good to note here, I have never been on a low sodium restriction.

💧 Mind Your Fluid
Fluid retention can worsen heart failure symptoms and make it harder for your heart to pump effectively. In some cases, doctors recommend limiting fluid intake to prevent overload. This can mean tracking how much you drink and even being mindful of foods with high water content (like soups or juicy fruits).

I haven’t ever been on fluid restriction, but I am conscious of how much fluid I take daily. I also am on a water pill as needed.

🥦 Focus on Fresh, Whole Foods
Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish, poultry, or legumes), and healthy fats (like olive oil and nuts) supports your heart and lung health. Avoiding ultra-processed foods and fast food helps keep your sodium intake low and your body feeling its best.

We try to eat as healthy as possible, light and fresh meals. We eat a protein, fruit and vegetable with every meal we make at home. (But I won’t lie to you guys, I love fast food, so everything in moderation.)

🔄 Individualized Plans: Everyone’s Journey is Different
Here’s the key: not everyone needs the same restrictions. Some patients may be on strict fluid and sodium limits, while others (like me) might just be mindful without hard rules. Your medical team knows your situation best — always check in with them before making changes.

A Personal Note
To reiterate, I’m not on strict sodium or fluid restrictions right now, but I stay mindful. I don’t cook with added salt, and I pay attention to how much fluid I’m drinking — especially on days when I feel more swollen or tired. It’s all about listening to my body and working with my medical team.

It’s tough, though. Let’s be real — adjusting your diet on top of managing medications and navigating doctor visits can feel like a lot. But I’ve found that even small steps can make a difference.

Here’s my biggest reminder:
🌟 Always check in with your doctor or dietitian before making changes. They can help you figure out what’s best for your body and your unique situation.
🌟 Be kind to yourself. Eating well isn’t about being perfect — it’s about supporting your body and giving yourself grace on the hard days.

❤️ You deserve to feel good and enjoy your life, even with PAH and heart failure.

Resources for Further Reading:
✅ American Heart Association - Heart Failure Nutrition Guidelines
✅ Pulmonary Hypertension Association - Nutrition & PH
✅ Mayo Clinic - Low Sodium Diet Basics

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional, just a professional patient. Rarely Typical is based on my personal experiences and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or decisions.