High blood pressure and salt intake are directly related. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure according to the textbook "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care." A salt restriction improves blood pressure, while a high salt diet increases blood pressure.
Definition of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and arteries. This measurement is expressed as two numbers consisting of a top and bottom number. The top represents the maximum pressure and the bottom number represents the minimum pressure. A blood pressure of 120/80 is considered normal, 140/90 is hypertension stage 1, 160/100 is hypertension, stage 2 and 180/110 is hypertensive crisis in which emergency care is needed.
Long-Term High Blood Pressure
Over time, the effects of high blood pressure can take a toll on the body. High blood pressure causes the blood vessels to become weaker, making it easier to have a stroke or aneurysm. Clots or plaques may form as a result of scarring from tiny tears occurring from high blood pressure. These plaques can then result in a heart attack. Circulatory issues and kidney problems ultimately arise after years of high blood pressure.
Effect of Salt on Blood Pressure
Salt has a direct effect on blood pressure for most people. When you eat too much salt, the kidneys have trouble excreting the excess and the excess salt is then found in the bloodstream. Since salt attracts water, the bloodstream becomes filled with too much water and this increases blood pressure.
Low-Salt Diet
A low-salt diet is recommended for people with high blood pressure. A low-salt diet consists of whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, lean meats and protein sources and complex carbohydrates. This also meets the recommendations of a low-at diet, which is also encouraged for high blood pressure.
Salt Substitutes
Use salt substitutes when cooking and to add flavor at the table. Some examples of brand names for salt substitutes are Morton's, Adolph's, McCormick's, Diamon Crystal, Co-Salt, Adolph's Seasoned, Morton's Lite Salt and Papa Dash. Each of these have various mixtures of potassium and some have a small amount of sodium.
References
- "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care"; Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2002
- MedlinePlus: Blood Pressure
- American Heart Association: Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
