The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute defines blood pressure as "the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood." High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to a number of serious problems in the body, including damaged organs such as the heart and kidneys. The American Heart Association has agreed with the Institute of Medicine, the IOM, in its recommendation that daily intake of sodium be reduced to combat hypertension, which it says is the "most common primary diagnosis in America."
Sodium and the Body
Sodium plays a regulatory role in the movement of fluids to the cells of the body. Although it is required for the body to function efficiently, about 500 mg of sodium per day is enough to meet those needs, which is well below most people's average daily consumption. As these examples show, it isn't difficult to go overboard with sodium. For example, 100g of feta has 1,744.6 mg of sodium, the same amount of medium cheddar has 706.7 mg, and a tablespoon of soy sauce has 1,005 mg. Processed foods contribute most of the sodium consumed. A nutritious diet will avoid processed foods and still provide enough sodium from natural sources and prepared foods to keep your body functioning well. The correlation between hypertension and sodium intake cannot be ignored.
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
During pregnancy, some women develop a condition known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, or PIH. This condition also goes by the names toxemia and preeclampsia. A wide range of symptoms could indicate PIH. Mild forms of this condition may be indicated by elevated blood pressure, retaining water and protein in your urine. More serious cases could also result in severe headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain and reduced urine, among other things.
Who is Most Likely to Develop PIH?
While a large number of women will go through pregnancy without experiencing PIH, some are more at risk of developing this condition than others. PIH appears to be more likely to affect first time mothers, women with a family history of PIH, teenage mothers, those carrying more than one baby, those over 40 years old and those with a history of kidney disease or hypertension.
What are the Health Risks of PIH
If PIH is detected early, most of the potential problems can be avoided. This means that the majority of women who develop PIH go on to have healthy babies. There are situations, however, where the condition worsens and seizures occur. This state is called eclampsia, which is detrimental to both mother and baby. Because PIH can cause a reduction in the amount of blood going to the placenta, problems stemming from the baby receiving less than optimal amounts of food or oxygen could occur.
Preventing and Treating PIH
The American Pregnancy Association tells us that there is currently no sure way to prevent PIH, but recommends some dietary measures, including limiting sodium intake. This is also part of the treatment plan, along with drinking six to eight glasses of water per day. Eating healthy and nutritious meals will satisfy the body's sodium requirements, and limiting your intake could be instrumental in staving off or controlling PIH. The American Academy of Family Physicians cautions, however, that pregnant women need to have an adequate amount of salt in the body to ensure efficient fluid flow. Following your doctor's advice on your salt and water requirements is an important part of your prenatal care.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What Is High Blood Pressure?
- FamilyDoctor.org: Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
- American Pregnancy Association: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension: Preeclampsia or toxemia
- American Heart Association: Statement by President Clyde Yancy, M.D. on IOM Report on Hypertension
- CBC News: How much sodium do I need?
