World Hypertension Day: Hypertension, or high blood pressure happens when the pressure in your blood vessels is way too high, around 140/90 mmHg or even higher. While it is common around the world, hypertension is not to be taken casually and must be treated with medicines, else it can become a serious problem. Hypertension in women is an area that needs a lot of emphasis, especially since hypertension is associated with an increased risk of stroke, cardiac dysfunction, vision problems, renal failure and peripheral vascular disease, among others. In women, hypertension rates increase after menopause, owing to the reduction in the role of estrogen protective factors. According to Abhilasha V, chief clinical nutritionist and HOD of Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, younger women must be aware, too, because estrogen imbalance in conditions like PCOS and infertility can make them susceptible to hypertension.
Here Is A Dietary Guideline
The clinical nutritionist suggested doing the following for preventing and controlling blood pressure:
- Eat a low-sodium, well-balanced diet.
- A good diet, combined with regular physical activity, quality sleep, with no tobacco or alcohol can keep our health in check.
- Maintaining a healthy BMI is important. Obesity is a risk factor for hypertension.
- A diet comprising whole grains, lean protein, good fats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and the right methods of cooking can enhance health.
- Cut down on caffeine, as excessive consumption can lead to increased blood pressure and tremors.
DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension)
The expert also underscored the importance of a DASH diet that combines reducing sodium in diet with increasing magnesium, calcium and potassium, and lessening saturated and trans fats by reducing added sugars.
- Moderate servings of whole grains of all kinds like oats, brown rice, millets, whole wheat etc.
- Choosing the right kind of protein like lentils, pulses, nuts, seeds, lean meat, eggs, healthy oily fish.
- Using low-fat milk and milk products.
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Focusing on potassium-rich foods.
- Cutting down on saturated fats, lard, red meat, processed meats, trans fats, packaged foods etc.
- Ensuring adequate fluid intake for blood pressure management.
Hypertension In Pregnancy: A Cause For Concern?
The clinical nutritionist said gestational hypertension is an increase in the blood pressure during pregnancy, especially after about 20 weeks. “If the blood pressure is not managed, it can lead to maternal and fetal complications. Regular monitoring of BP during antenatal visits is very important,” she warned, adding that while in some cases, gestational hypertension can be mild, in other cases, it is a cause for concern when it leads to chronic hypertension and preeclampsia.
“Preeclampsia can harm the kidneys, lungs, liver and brain. It can cause fetal growth retardation and still births,” she stated.
The expert concluded by saying that most cases of reported pregnancy-induced hypertension are seen in obese patients, whose diet is rich in sodium and saturated fats.