CONTROLLING HYPERTENSION: LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS

Feb
25
2011

Posted by: admin in Categories: Cardio & Blood- Сholesterol.

High blood pressure may increase the thickness of heart muscle and reduce coronary circulation.
•   What is the normal blood pressure?
Blood pressure is measured with two readings, systolic and diastolic and the measurement is mm Hg.
Blood Pressure           Systolic/Diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal Blood Pressure       120/80
High Normal               130-139/85-89
Stage I Hypertension           140-159/90-99
Stage II and III           >160/>100
To control the blood pressure, one needs to follow certain life style modifications like diet, exercise, yoga and meditation, however in stages I – III one may need drug therapy along with lifestyle measures, depending upon the other risk factors involved. Maintenance of weight with low-fat diet and salt restriction is mandatory. Other factors that could play role in hypertension are excessive sodium, saturated fats, coffee, diet low in potassium and calcium. The studies have shown that salt restriction is important to lower the blood pressure, and for patients with hypertension lowering of dietary salt is very important.

DASH Diet (Dietary approaches to stop hypertension)
Blood pressure reduces with diet low in total fat, low saturated fat, low cholesterol, and low-fat milk and milk products, and rich in fruits and vegetables. So DASH diet includes, whole grains, fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits. DASH diet has reduced amounts of fat, red meat, sweets, refined carbohydrates, sugared beverages. It is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, proteins and fibre. Studies have shown that lower the sodium, lower is the blood pressure.
*2/356/5*