Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition. According to the FDA, it is frequently called the silent killer because many people who have it dont know that they do. Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the kidneys and the eyes. It can also lead to a stroke, heart attack or heart failure. People who eat a high salt diet are at risk for developing hypertension.
Risk Factors
Hypertension has several risk factors. Having family members who have hypertension and being African American are both risk factors for this condition. People who are overweight, obese, advanced in age and those who smoke are also at risk for hypertension. Additionally, a person who consumes too much salt has an increased risk of developing hypertension. The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports that almost all Americans consume more salt than they actually need.
Causes
Hypertension without any identifiable cause is called primary hypertension. When the cause is known, it's referred to as secondary hypertension. Certain medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers and oral contraceptives can cause hypertension. Some diseases can also cause elevated blood pressure. The adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, so adrenal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma can lead to hypertension.
Blood vessel disorders that can cause hypertension include coarctation of the aorta and arteriosclerosis. The kidneys also regulate blood pressure, and thus, kidney disease can result in high blood pressure. Lifestyle habits such as cocaine consumption and high salt intake are also potential causes of hypertension.
Salt and Hypertension
The U.S Department of Health and Human Services notes that salt is sodium chloride. A high salt diet can stimulate the body to retain fluid, explains the Mayo Clinic. This in turn increases blood pressure and could then result in hypertension.
Complications
In hypertensive patients, blood flow exerts excessive force on the arteries and this can lead to blood vessel and organ damage. If the condition goes untreated or uncontrolled, it can cause complications such as vision loss, stroke, heart attack or kidney damage. Heart failure is another complication of hypertension. It occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to the body --- due to the high pressures it has to pump against.
Reducing Salt Intake
Reducing dietary salt consumption may prevent hypertension. The salt content of foods is usually listed on food labels as "sodium." When shopping for food, check products' sodium content on the nutritional facts panel and purchase those with low sodium. Also, purchase foods that are marked with "no salt added." In addition, when cooking, use spices, herbs and salt free seasoning. To reduce salt consumption, cook with fresh poultry, lean meat and fish instead of processed products.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Tips for Reducing Sodium in Your Diet
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: High Blood Pressure
- Mayo Clinic: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
