Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common illness which if left untreated can cause complications like heart attack, stroke, renal failure.
The 7th report of the Joint National Committee by Heart, Lung, Blood intitute , Maryland, USA in 2003 are widely followed guidelines on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of hypertension.
As per the JNC 7 guidelines , the salient points are as follows:
The 7th report of the Joint National Committee by Heart, Lung, Blood intitute , Maryland, USA in 2003 are widely followed guidelines on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of hypertension.
As per the JNC 7 guidelines , the salient points are as follows:
- Stages of hypertension:
- Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) lesser than 120 and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) lesser than 80: optimal blood pressure
- SBP greater than 120 but lesser than 139 and DBP greater than 80 but lesser than 90: Prehypertension (boderline)
- SBP greater than 140 but lesser than 159 and DBP greater than 90 but lesser than 100: First Stage of Hypertension
- SBP greater than 160; DBP greater than 100 : Second Stage of hypertension
- Risk factors or factors which promote the propensity of a person to develop hypertension are:
- decreased physical activity,
- less vegetables and fruits in diet,
- excess dietary sodium intake and
- decreased intake of potassium,
- increased intake of alcohol.
It is important to keep blood pressure in control and a few lifestyle changes which can make a huge difference in that respect are as follows:
2. Decrease salt in diet
It is important to keep blood pressure in control and a few lifestyle changes which can make a huge difference in that respect are as follows:
1. Lose weight
It has been seen that every 1% reduction in weight can decrease blood pressure by one unit. Therefore a weight loss of 10 kg can reduce blood pressure by 6-10 units (mm of hg)
It has been seen that every 1% reduction in weight can decrease blood pressure by one unit. Therefore a weight loss of 10 kg can reduce blood pressure by 6-10 units (mm of hg)
2. Decrease salt in diet
- Salt has high sodium content which should be avoided in hypertensive patients. Sodium is a mineral in blood.
- There are tests available to test levels of sodium in blood.
- Therefore it's best to choose plant based food or packaged food which clearly states 'low sodium' or ' no added salt'
Thirty(30) minutes of moderate intensity workout on most if not all days of a week is recommended.
4. Increase potassium rich food in diet
A man should not exceed 2 standard drinks/day while a woman should not exceed 1 standard drink/day
Atleast 2 alcohol free days in a week should be practiced.
4. Increase potassium rich food in diet
- Potassium is a mineral in blood
- There are tests available which can test the amounts of potassium in your blood.
- Foods rich in potassium are meats, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and fruits such as bananas.
A man should not exceed 2 standard drinks/day while a woman should not exceed 1 standard drink/day
Atleast 2 alcohol free days in a week should be practiced.
No comments:
Post a Comment