by Linda Schoene, Parish Nurse
It seems like everyone is on a special diet these days. Christ the King Church member and member of the Health Ministry Team, Marilyn Edwards, shares her nutritional expertise and introduces the DASH diet. For more information, stop by the blood pressure screenings after each worship service on May 29-30. Thank you, Marilyn!
Lifestyle Approaches for Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is an independent risk factor for both coronary heart disease and stroke. Hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mm Hg or greater, having a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mm Hg or greater, or taking hypertensive medication. Hypertension frequently accompanies other cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, lipid abnormalities, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. New clinical guidelines for the prevention, detection, and treatment of high blood pressure were published in 2003, and based on clinical studies conducted over the past ten years, nutritional therapy is considered to be the cornerstone of treatment for individuals with hypertension. Lifestyle modification may not completely eliminate the need for antihypertensive medication but it can significantly decrease the amount of medication needed to reach target blood pressure goals. The specific nutritional and lifestyle modifications recommended include:
Hypertensive individuals who have followed the DASH eating plan have shown significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after eight weeks on the diet. In comparison to the typical American diet, the DASH diet is high in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, low in both total and saturated fat, and low in sodium. The positive effects of the DASH diet have been attributed to the relatively high amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium as well as to the lower total fat and saturated fat intake.
If you are interested in more specific details about DASH, a 1-page summary is available at our monthly blood pressure screenings. Additional information can be found at: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash