hypertension aka high blood pressure how sodium and potassium affect blood pressure

Hypertensionaka High Blood Pressure

How Sodium and PotassiumAffect blood pressure

Sodium Table salt is sodium chloride, NaCl.It is 40% sodium by weight; one teaspoon of salt contains about 2300 milligrams of sodiumRecommendation is to limit sodium chloride to one teaspoon a day from all sources– and even less forAfrican Americans.

Sodium in the Body Sodium and potassium work together in the body to maintain normal water balanceBoth sodium and potassium chemically attract water, to maintain an optimal level of water in and out of cellsWater balance and cell functions are by a balance of sodium and potassiumBody’s adaptive mechanisms provide a buffer against upsets in water balance due to high sodium intake– up to a point.

Blood PressureSystolic blood pressure is highest at heartbeat and diastolic is least between pulsesNormal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm of mercury Prehypertension is 120/80-139/89Hypertension is 140/90 mmHg and higherSeveral measurements are needed

HypertensionHigh blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. It accounts for two-thirds of all strokes and half of heart disease.

US Rates of Hypertension

Causes of Hypertension 10% of all cases of hypertension can be directly linked to a cause90% with no identifiable cause: essential hypertensionRisk factors for hypertension have been identifiedDietary factors are the most importantEvidence linking diet to hypertension shows relationship between average salt intake and hypertension

Hypertension-Promoting Diet & Lifestyle

(if you wanted to develop high blood pressure)

Eat mostly processed foods high in sodiumEat more calories than you can useDrink alcohol beverages in excess Eat few dairy products or sources of calciumEat few vegetables, fruits; avoid potassium-rich foodsEnjoy plenty of foods high in saturated fat Avoid exercise

Ethnic Group

Epidemiological StudiesIn countries with low sodium intakes, rate of hypertension is lowIn countries with moderate sodium intakes, rate of hypertension is moderate…

Causes of HypertensionNot everyone is equally susceptible to high-salt dietsPeople often develop salt-sensitivity before they develop hypertension. & not everyone with hypertension is salt-sensitive.But over 50% of people with hypertension and 26% of people with normal blood pressure are salt sensitive

Salt SensitivityMost of our population will develop high blood pressure as they ageBut when people reduce salt intake, they are likely to maintain normal blood pressure longer

CUTTING DOWN ON SODIUM!

1. Never pick up the salt shaker.

2. Never eat potato chips, corn chips, salted nuts, or FRENCHFRIES!

3. Stay away from salty meats: ham, bologna, bacon,livermush, sausage, vienna sausage, FATBACK , pork skins,and other salty meats.

4. What meats can you eat?Okay: fried chicken (don’t eat the skin), hamburger, beefand fresh pork (remember—small servings, the size of adeck of cards)Best: turkey, chicken, fish baked or grilled or fried in oil,not shortening. Canned tuna or salmon is good, too.

Eat fewer frozen or canned entrees or meals, and more foodfixed at home. Buy low sodium soups and vegetables with “NoAdded Salt.”

Major Sources of Sodium in US Diet

Processed foods 77%Fresh foods 12%Salt added at the table 10%Salt added during cooking 3%

Which foods are high in sodium?

10 Foods responsible for over40 % of people’s sodium

intake

Breads and rollsLuncheon meat such as deli ham or turkey Pizza & cheesePoultrySoups

Pasta dishes with cheese, cream or meat sauces with salt added Meat dishes such as meat loafSnack foods like potato chips, pretzels and popcorn. 

Fix Textbook Error, p. 23-23

1 Teaspoon 2300 mg

2300 mg

Fig. 23-16, p. 22

Balance Sodium and Potassium

High potassium intake helps relax blood vessels and excrete the sodium, so decreases blood pressure.We need more potassium than sodium each day!Americans average about 3,300 mg of sodium per dayWe get only about 2,900 mg of potassium each day.

High Potassium Foods Reduce Blood Pressure

TO Avoid HypertensionThe DASH diet is high in potassiumEven better at reducing blood pressure than a low salt diet!

Simplified DASH Diet1. Have 1 small glass of fruit juice and 3 more servings of fruit every day—

fresh, frozen or canned. 

Simplified DASH Diet2. Eat 4 servings of vegetables every day. French fries don't count! Sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, carrots, tomatoes, tossed salad—

you get the idea! 

Simplified DASH Diet, cont.

3. Have 2 servings of nonfat or low-fat dairy products daily, including yogurt. Count soy beverage or other high-calcium beverages here, too.

Simplified DASH Diet, cont.

4. Limit red meat and saturated fats

Simplified DASH Diet, cont.

5. Limit sweets.Make fruits your main

sweets and snacks.

Simplified DASH Diet, cont.

6. Use a salt substitute like "no-salt" lightly at the table (not in cooking—it gets bitter) NO!

Enjoy Foods Naturally Low in SodiumLearn to use spices, peppers, onions, garlic, and lemon juice for flavorA low sodium diet and the DASH diet are two separate ways to reduce your risk of hypertension—Or to treat it!

How Is Hypertension Treated?

Lifestyle and diet changes, and medications

Weight loss, smoking cessation, regular exerciseDASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Treating Hypertension)Low sodium diet Low alcohol consumption

Fig. 23-17, p. 22

Learn One of These!

Blood Pressure Medications

Prescribed when diet & lifestyle changes don't bring pressure down to normal. Still need to follow diet and lifestyle changesSide effects of various anti-hypertensive medications may include:excess urination, low blood potassium, weakness, fatigue, depression, confusion, erectile dysfunction, headache, edema

However, some people have no side effects from medication.

IN THE UNITED STATESHalf the people who have hypertension don’t know itHalf of those who know it, aren’t getting treatmentHalf of those getting treatment, aren’t treated adequately to control BPMany unnecessary strokes, heart attacks, and early deaths

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