HYPERTENSION

“Hypertension“

INTRODUCTION:

Hypertension (HTN) is systolic blood pressure (SBP) values of 130 mm Hg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of more than 80 mm Hg. Hypertension ranks among the most common chronic medical condition characterized by a persistent elevation in arterial pressure. Hypertension contributes to the development of stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and renal failure.

CAUSES:

An increase in salt intake increases the risk of developing hypertension.
Researchers believe genes play a role in high blood pressure. If one or more of your close biological family members have high blood pressure, you have an increased risk of developing it, too

EPIDEMIOLOGY:

At present, it is estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide have hypertension (>140/90 mmHg), and this number is expected to increase to 1.56 billion by 2025. The prevalence of hypertension varies across regions and country income groups. The WHO African Region has the highest prevalence of hypertension (27%) while the WHO Region of the Americas has the lowest prevalence of hypertension (18%).The number of adults with hypertension increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in 2015, with the increase seen largely in low- and middle-income countries. This increase is due mainly to a rise in hypertension risk factors in those populations.

The National Health Survey estimated that hypertension affects 18% of adults and 33% of adults above 45 years old. In another report, it was shown that 18% of people suffer from hypertension with every third person over the age of 40 becoming increasingly vulnerable to a wide range of diseases. It was also mentioned that only 50% of the people with hypertension were diagnosed and that only half of those diagnosed were ever treated. Thus, only 12.5% of hypertension cases were adequately controlled.

SYMPTOMS:

High blood pressure, often has no noticeable symptoms, hence the nickname "SILENT KILLER”

People with very high blood pressure (usually 180/120 or higher) can experience symptoms including:
severe headaches ,chest pain , dizziness ,difficulty breathing ,nausea vomiting ,blurred vision or other vision changes ,anxiety ,nosebleeds ,abnormal heart rhythm

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HYPERTENSION

Factors that play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension include the aging process, genetics, activation of neurohormonal systems such as the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, obesity, gut microbiome, and increased dietary salt intake. An elevated level of uric acid may also be an independent factor of diastolic dysfunction

NUTRITIONAL TREATMENT:

DASH diet is a healthy-eating plan designed to help prevent or treat high blood pressure, also called hypertension. It also may help lower cholesterol linked to heart disease, called low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

High blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol levels are two major risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Foods in the DASH diet are rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium.
The DASH diet focuses on vegetables, fruits and whole grains. It includes fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans and nuts.

The diet limits foods that are high in salt, also called sodium. It also limits added sugar and saturated fat, such as in fatty meats and full-fat dairy products.

DASH DIET AND SODIUM

The standard DASH diet limits salt to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day. That amount agrees with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That's about the amount of sodium in 1 teaspoon of table salt.

A lower sodium version of DASH restricts sodium to 1,500 mg a day. You can choose the version of the diet that meets your health needs. If you aren't sure what sodium level is right for you, talk to your health care provider.

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.

EXAMPLE OF SUCH FOOD WHICH ARE BENEFICAL FOR CONTROLLING HYPERTENSION:

• NUTS AND SEEDS: ALMOND AND PISTACHIO

• VEGETABLES : Leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes

• FRUITS: Citrus fruits, berries ,banana

• DAIRY: Low fats or fat free dairy products

• OTHERS: Chocolate Contains flavanols, which may boost the production of nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels. Garlic May help lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels.