Dietary Changes in Treating Hypertension
Introduction
Hypertension is a prevalent problem that has negative effects on the body if left uncontrolled. If not monitored accurately over time, blood pressure can slowly rise without being detected. Treatment for hypertension includes medication, diet, and exercise. According to Kennedy (2010), a significant number of premature deaths relating to hypertension could be avoided by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating (Kennedy, 2010). The issue of hypertension is related to nursing in that education about risk factors and treatments can help nurses individualize care and patient teaching.
Population
Approximately 32% of Americans suffer from hypertension (Montasser et al., …show more content…
Salt is a popular ingredient used to flavor things, such as condiments and sauces, and is also used as a preservative in processed foods and cured meats. Although lowering dietary sodium intake is a way to decrease blood pressure, the results are not as effective in certain populations. In a study conducted by Montasser et al. (2011), it was suggested that modifying salt intake to lower blood pressure did not affect young and healthy individuals, but was more beneficial to women, the elderly, and individuals who were already hypertensive (Montasser et al., 2011). Kennedy (2010) also pointed out that African-Americans have higher salt sensitivity, so modifying the diet to include less salt would benefit them greatly (Kennedy, …show more content…
By limiting salt and fat intake, the number of people affected by hypertension could decrease, the number of premature deaths related to cardiovascular diseases could decrease, and the number of people at risk for developing hypertension could decrease. The dietary changes could be implemented everywhere by raising awareness and by educating the population. There is a lot of research on the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which includes lowering salt and fat intake. However, more research may be needed to determine which dietary modification is more effective on its
Introduction
Hypertension is a prevalent problem that has negative effects on the body if left uncontrolled. If not monitored accurately over time, blood pressure can slowly rise without being detected. Treatment for hypertension includes medication, diet, and exercise. According to Kennedy (2010), a significant number of premature deaths relating to hypertension could be avoided by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating (Kennedy, 2010). The issue of hypertension is related to nursing in that education about risk factors and treatments can help nurses individualize care and patient teaching.
Population
Approximately 32% of Americans suffer from hypertension (Montasser et al., …show more content…
Salt is a popular ingredient used to flavor things, such as condiments and sauces, and is also used as a preservative in processed foods and cured meats. Although lowering dietary sodium intake is a way to decrease blood pressure, the results are not as effective in certain populations. In a study conducted by Montasser et al. (2011), it was suggested that modifying salt intake to lower blood pressure did not affect young and healthy individuals, but was more beneficial to women, the elderly, and individuals who were already hypertensive (Montasser et al., 2011). Kennedy (2010) also pointed out that African-Americans have higher salt sensitivity, so modifying the diet to include less salt would benefit them greatly (Kennedy, …show more content…
By limiting salt and fat intake, the number of people affected by hypertension could decrease, the number of premature deaths related to cardiovascular diseases could decrease, and the number of people at risk for developing hypertension could decrease. The dietary changes could be implemented everywhere by raising awareness and by educating the population. There is a lot of research on the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which includes lowering salt and fat intake. However, more research may be needed to determine which dietary modification is more effective on its