Hypertension

 What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? 

Hypertension is a condition in which the force of blood against the artery wall is too high that is systolic blood pressure more than 140mmHg and diastolic blood pressure more than 90mmHg.

Causes OF High Blood Pressure

•  High sodium intake
•  Alcohol intake
• Low potassium intake
• Obesity
• Cigarette smoke
• Lack of Physical activity 
• Stress

Pathogenesis of Hypertension:

• Genetic factor: It plays an important role. The children of hypertensive patients have a high risk of developing primary hypertension.

• Sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity.
• The high level of renin-angiotensin system is 10% high, 60% normal, and 30% low.
• Some patients cannot secrete sodium load due to the default in natriuresis (excretion of sodium).
• Increased levels of intracellular sodium and calcium.
• The Activities of vascular endothelium is the single layer that lines the blood vessels. It will produce vasoactive substances and growth factors like nitric acid. These substances are potent vasoconstrictors and cause increased blood pressure. 

Symptoms of Hypertension;

1. Severe headaches.

2. Chest pain.

3. Dizziness.

4. Difficulty breathing.

5. Nausea.

6. Vomiting.

7. Blurred vision or other vision changes.

8. Anxiety.

 

Complications:

1.    Blockage or narrowing of arteries.
2. Enlarged arteries.
3.  Kidney failure
4. Enlarge heart
5. Blocked blood flow to the heart.
6.  Heart attack 
7. Brain stroke.

Classification of High Blood Pressure:

Some ways to help control Blood Pressure:

• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise regularly
• Do not smoke
• Try to avoid stress
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Eat a healthy diet that includes potassium and fiber
• Maintain Dash  diet
• Limit salt consumption to less than 1500mg per day
• Maintain healthy body weight

Dietary approach to control High Blood Pressure:

 DASH diet: What to eat

The DASH diet is a balanced eating plan that gives choices of what to eat. The diet helps create a heart-healthy eating style for life. There's no need for special foods or drinks. Foods in the diet are at grocery stores and in most restaurants.

When following DASH it is important to choose foods that are:

·        Rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein.

·        Low in saturated fat.

·        Low in salt.

The DASH diet provides daily and weekly nutritional goals. The number of servings depends on daily calorie needs.

Here's a look at the recommended servings from each food group for a 2,000-calorie-a-day DASH diet:

·        Grains: 6 to 8 servings a day. One serving may be 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta, 1 slice of bread, or 1 ounce dry cereal.

·        Vegetables: 4 to 5 servings a day. One serving is 1 cup raw leafy green vegetables, 1/2 cup cut-up raw or cooked vegetables, or 1/2 cup vegetable juice.

·        Fruits: 4 to 5 servings a day. One serving is one medium fruit, 1/2 cup fresh, frozen, or canned fruit, or 1/2 cup fruit juice.

·        Fat-free or low-fat dairy products: 2 to 3 servings a day. One serving is 1 cup milk or yogurt, or 1 1/2 ounces cheese.

·        Lean meats, poultry, and fish: six 1-ounce servings or fewer a day. One serving is 1 ounce of cooked meat, poultry, or fish, or 1 egg.

·        Nuts, seeds, or dry beans and peas: 4 to 5 servings a week. One serving is 1/3 cup nuts, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons seeds, or 1/2 cup cooked dried beans or peas, also called legumes.

·        Fats and oils: 2 to 3 servings a day. One serving is 1 teaspoon soft margarine, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, or 2 tablespoons salad dressing.

·        Sweets and added sugars: 5 servings or fewer a week. One serving is 1 tablespoon sugar, jelly, or jam, 1/2 cup sorbet, or 1 cup lemonade.

·        Limit salt and caffeine intake.