Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The higher the BP, the greater the risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure , stroke, and kidney disease.

  • Weight Reduction. In patients who are overweight or obese, a 10 kg. weight loss may decrease SBP by 5 to 20 mm Hg.
  • Dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet. The DASH eating plan is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products with a reduced content of saturated and total fat. This diet may reduce SBP by 8 to 14 mm Hg.
  • Dietary sodium intake to no more than 100 mmmol per day. 2.4 g. of sodium or 6 grams of sodium chloride may decrease SBP by 2 to 8 mm Hg.
  • Physical activity. Regular aerobic exercise (at least 30 mins. daily, most days of the week) may reduce SBP by 4 to 9 mm Hg.
  • Moderate consumption of alcohol. Limiting alcohol to two drinks daily in men and one drink daily in women and lighter-weight individuals may reduce.

Reference:
Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7).