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Essentials of sodium in hypertension


Overview
Their is a direct relationship between the history/daily intake of salt and hypertension.
Hypertension is a condition characterized by a chronically high blood pressure. Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects nearly one-third of adults in the United States. Prevalence is especially high among African Americans, who develop hypertension earlier in life and sustain higher average blood pressures throughout their lives than other ethnic groups. An estimated percent of people with hypertension are unaware that they have it. although people cannot feel the physical effects of hypertension; it is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. For each 20/10 mm Hg increase above normal blood pressure (that is, an increase of 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure), the risk of death from CVD doubles Elevated blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to eject blood into the arteries; this effort weakens heart muscle and increases the risk of developing heart arrhythmias, heart failure, and even sudden death. Hypertension is also a primary cause of stroke and kidney failure. Reducing blood pressure can dramatically reduce the incidence of these diseases.
Risk factor:


Aging. Hypertension risk increases with age. Over two-thirds of persons older than 65 years have hypertension. Moreover, individuals who have normal blood pressure at age 55 still have a 90 percent risk of developing high blood pressure during their lifetimes.
 • Genetic factors. Risk of hypertension is similar among family members. It is also more prevalent and severe in certain ethnic groups; for example, the prevalence in African Americans is about 41 percent, compared with a prevalence of about 28 percent in whites and Mexican Americans.
• Obesity. Of people with hypertension, most—an estimated 60 percent—are obese.69 Obesity raises blood pressure, in part, by altering kidney function and promoting fluid retention.
• Salt sensitivity.  Among those with hypertension, approximately 30 to 50 percent are sensitive to salt and can improve blood pressure by reducing salt consumption.
• Alcohol. Heavy alcohol consumption (defined as three or more drinks daily) is strongly associated with hypertension. Alcohol’s specific role in blood pressure is unclear.
 • Dietary factors. A person’s diet may increase risk for hypertension. As explained later, dietary modifications that increase intakes of potassium, calcium, and magnesium have been shown to reduce blood pressure.

Way out
Weight Reduction: Weight reduction can reduce blood pressure considerably. In controlled studies, participants who lost 22 pounds (10 kilograms) lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 7.0 mm Hg, and greater weight loss was associated with greater reductions in blood pressure.75 The improvement persisted for at least one and a half years, and the prevalence of hypertension among participants was found to be 20 to 50 percent lower among those who lost weight.
Dietary Approaches for Reducing Blood Pressure Several research studies have shown that a significant reduction in blood pressure can be achieved by following a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and includes whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts.76 The diet tested in these studies, now known as the DASH Eating Plan, provides more fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium than the typical American diet.

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