Chapter 11 Hypertension and Nutrition

Question 1

describe the relationship between dietary salt, the control of blood pressure, and the treatment of hypertension.

Answer 1

increased salt intake associated with hypertension

therefore need to decrease salt intake to reduce the risk of hypertension

Question 2

discuss the evidence concerning the relationship between body weight and blood pressure.

Answer 2

increased body weight leads to increased risk of having hypertension

Question 3

discuss the DASH trial and explain its implications for the control of hypertension

Answer 3

459 adults with elevated BP were randomized to a standard american diet plus increased fruit and vegetables or the dash diet.
the DASH diet includes a relatively high daily content of fruit, vegetables and grain, moderate amounts of low fat dairy, fats and oils and decreased content of meat, regular fat dairy products, snacks and sweets.

overall, DASH
diet participants achieved better BP reductions as compared to standard diet participants.
11.4.7

Question 4

discuss a lifestyle approach to the control of hypertension

Answer 4

decreased Na
less fat
less meat
less junk food (sweets etc)

more fruit
more veggies
moderate low fat dairy

more exercise

11.4.8

Question 5

What does potassium contribute to the control of blood pressure?

Answer 5

increased K and Ca intake have been shown to decrease BP in lab rats but in human trails results have not been consistent….studies to date have actually been contradictory 11.4.12

Question 6

Discuss the relationship between genetics, salt intake, and hypertension.

Answer 6

genetics- certain ethnic populations are more at risk of developing hypertension
e.g. african americans have highest rate of hypertension non hispanic whites and mexican americans have lower rates 11.2

salt intake-high intake of salt leads to increased risk of hypertension

Question 7

What is the relationship between alcohol intake and blood pressure?

Answer 7

the more alcohol consumed the higher the risk of hypertension…however moderate alcohol intake is beneficial for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Question 8

What are likely to be the key nutritional features of the DASH diet that help explain its
effectiveness for lowering blood pressure?

Answer 8

the DASH diet includes a relatively high daily content of fruit, vegetables and grain, moderate amounts of low fat dairy, fats and oils and decreased content of meat, regular fat dairy products, snacks and sweets.