Hypertension (HTN) - The Silent Killer

Hypertension (HTN) - The Silent Killer

Hypertension is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people and it is characterized by elevated blood pressure. It is a subtle disease that can become very dangerous if not properly managed. Investigating the daily experiences of hypertension is fundamental to determining its effects on people and society. In this condition, the blood pressure is constantly staying high.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension is often called a “silent killer” because it may not present noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Severe headaches
  • Fatigue or confusion
  • Vision problems
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Blood in urine

Pounding sensations in the chest, neck, or ears

Causes of Hypertension

Several factors contribute to the development of hypertension, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Obesity
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  • Nutritional Deficiencies
  • Physical Inactivity
  • Chronic Alcohol Consumption

Medical Nutrition Therapy of HTN-DASH DIET

Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension is a healthy diet for life that is meant to help in treating or reducing the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension). DASH diet emphasizes how you manage your major food groups in the correct portion size to get the right amount of nutrients. DASH diet encourages you to reduce the sodium in your diet and eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods that help lower blood pressure, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

  • Energy: Calorie requirements should be based on the concept of maintaining an ideal body weight. Excess calories through fats and carbohydrates have to be reduced so that the weight is maintained.
  • Proteins: Protein should contribute 15-20% of the total energy needs. Excess intake of red meat and egg yolks could be avoided as it has a greater proportion of saturated fatty acids.
  • Fats: The fats incorporated in the diet should be rich in unsaturated fatty acids and should not provide more than 20% of the total energy.
  • Carbohydrates: About 60-65% of energy should be provided from carbohydrates which are polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) rather than simple sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides).
  • Minerals and Electrolytes: Intake of calcium has blood pressure-lowering effects. It is involved in controlling the strength with which blood is pumped by the heart and the flow of blood in the veins and capillaries are distributed equally.
  • Sodium: Studies have shown that sodium restriction along with weight reduction is effective in controlling mild to moderate hypertension. Depending on the severity of hypertension, different levels of sodium intake can be recommended.

Potassium: It works with sodium to regulate the body’s water balance. Low levels of potassium cause the body to retain sodium and water and this can elevate blood pressure. Instead, potassium-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and fruit, should be eaten every day to meet the potassium requirement. The recommended intake of potassium is 3500mg/day.

Types of DASH Diet:

  • Standard DASH diet: You can consume up to 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day. Salt may be used lightly in cooking, but no salt at the table is allowed. There is no restriction on naturally occurring fresh foods but processed foods should be avoided.
  • Lower sodium DASH diet: You can consume up to 1,500 mg of sodium a day. Vegetables with high sodium content are limited in use, canned vegetables, and baked products are avoided. Meat and milk products are used in moderate amounts.
  • Strict Sodium restriction (500 mg): Apart from the restrictions stated above, meat, milk, and eggs are allowed in small portions, and vegetables with higher sodium content are avoided.

Conclusion

Understanding hypertension and its dietary management through approaches like the DASH diet helps you to adopt healthier eating habits and make lifestyle changes. Individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing hypertension or manage existing conditions effectively. For more guidance contact our team and get one to one consultation.