Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force exerted by blood against blood vessels is high enough to cause damage to blood vessels and body organs. Hypertension can be a sign of sodium electrolyte imbalance in the body. The doctor may order an electrolyte panel test for patients who display sudden symptoms of hypertension, according to Labtestsonline.org.
Sodium and Hypertension
The body uses sodium to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium is also necessary for normal functioning of muscles and nerves, according to MedlinePlus. Patients with increased sodium levels may experience a rise in high blood pressure due to increased fluid retention in the body. Healthy people should limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day.
Low-Sodium Diet
Patients with hypertension are advised not to consume more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day, according to MedlinePlus. A low-sodium diet helps to correct sodium electrolyte imbalance in patients with hypertension. Examples of high-sodium foods that should be avoided include smoked, cured or salted foods such as sausages, bacon, ham frankfurters, anchovies, salted nuts, canned soups, vegetable broths and frozen breaded meats. The DASH eating plan is recommended for long-term management of hypertension. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and it encourages patients to eat low-sodium foods, low-fat foods and high potassium foods.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Most patients with hypertension do not experience symptoms until high blood pressure has reached a severe and life-threatening stage, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients with hypertension experience symptoms such as severe headache, dizziness, nose bleeds, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, blurred vision, confusion, fatigue, problems breathing, blood in urine, pounding in the chest, neck or ears.
Hypertension Drugs
Hypertension is mainly treated using diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and beta blockers, according to MayoClinic. Diuretics are the first line treatment of hypertension. Diuretics work by flushing excess water and sodium from the body, which lowers blood pressure. ACE inhibitors help to widen blood vessels by preventing angiotensin hormone from constricting blood vessels. Beta blockers block hormones and nerves that contribute to increased blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessels cells, which lowers blood pressure. Common side effects of hypertension drugs include dizziness and hypotension, or low blood pressure.
