NUTRITION IN HYPERTENTION M. Gardner

TOPICS of DISCUSSION…  What is Hypertension?  High Blood Pressure….  Causes  Prevention  Symptoms  Tests and Diagnosis  Diet  Treatment

What is Hypertension?  HTN chronic medical condition  Common medical problem and independent risk factor for CVD.  Defined as blood pressure of >140 mm Hg (systolic) or >90 mm Hg (diastolic)  Types :  Primary (Essential) Strongly associated with lifestyle % of diagnosed hypertension and treated with stress management, changes in diet, increased physical activity.  Secondary Preexisting medical condition: congestive heart failure, kidney failure 5-10%

High Blood Pressure  “Silent Killer”  Systolic Pressure: measured heart pumps  Diastolic Pressure: measure between beats, as blood flows back into the heart.  White-Coat Hypertension

Causes……Prevention  No direct cause  Secondary lifestyle:  Smoking  Stress  Obesity  Alcohol intake  Genetic mutations  Increase with age  Sodium  Weight Reduction: regular exercise improves blood flow  Reducing sodium  Dietary changes beneficial to reducing blood pressure  Discontinuing tobacco use and alcohol consumption  Reducing stress: relaxation therapy CAUSESPREVENTION

Symptoms  Not aware because of a general lack of symptoms until major complications arise.  Some include:  Headaches  Nosebleeds  Fatigue  Nausea/Vomiting  Chest Pains  Vision

How can you TELL….  High Blood Pressure Test  Regular Blood Pressure Readings  Home blood pressure monitor reading  Physical exam…medical history  Blood test to check for sodium, cholesterol or potassium  Blood glucose test to check diabetes  An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) to check any damage to the heart

Diet in Hypertension  Do not use salt at the table  Check food labels for sodium content  Choose unprocessed foods  Limit processed meats and cheese  Limit salty snacks  Limit condiments that may be high in sodium  No more than 1,500 mgs.  Teaspoon of salt=2400 mgs  Potassium supplement moderately decrease blood pressure  Fruits and vegetables SodiumPotassium DASH Eating Plan  An increase 1 daily of serving veggies  Increase of 1-2servings of fruit  Inclusion of 4-5 servings of nuts, seeds, and beans

Diet in Hypertension  Fruits (fresh or Frozen)  Plain rice, pasta, and potatoes  Breads (bagels, rolls English Muffin)  Lean Meat  Skinless Turkey or Chicken  Butter  Regular Salad dressings  Fatty Meats  Fried Foods  Fast Foods Foods Can EatFoods to Avoid

Treatment  Pharmacological Treatment:  Diuretic: “Water Pills” Help body to get rid of unneeded water and salt in the urine  Beta Blockers Used to control hypertension  Calcium Channel Blockers  Visit the doctor at least once a month to keep blood pressure in check.  Not possible to prevent but it can be avoided by following healthy lifestyle choices

Work Cited Page  “Hypertension Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic. _High_Blood_Pressure/hic_Hypertension_Treatment_ Overview.aspx _High_Blood_Pressure/hic_Hypertension_Treatment_ Overview.aspx  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institue. “Facts about the DASH Eating Plan.”  Anderson, Douglas M. et al. (2003). Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, 6 th edition. St Louis, MO: Mosby.