Following the Right Diet When You Have Hypertension

Stroke, vision problems, heart attack, and more. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, contributes to all these health conditions and more. At Cardiovascular Institute in Tomball, TX, Dr. Daljit Muttiana encourages his patients to pursue a heart-healthy diet to lower blood pressure. Here are the details.

DASH

It stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends it so adults with hypertension employ eating habits that lower B/P numbers and the risk for cardiovascular events. Your cardiologist, Dr. Daljit Muttiana, advises lowering your lifestyle stress, exercising regularly, taking your blood pressure medication as prescribed, and employing dietary changes according to the DASH protocol.

DASH eating includes:

• Food choices that are low in sodium saturated fat and trans-fat
• High fiber options such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread and cereals, legumes (beans and lentils), and nuts (particularly pistachios)
• Little to no processed foods, particularly meats, such as hot dogs and ham
• Consuming more low-fat dairy products, such as Greek yogurt
• Lowering intake of sugary, high-carbohydrate foods, such as cookies and soda pop
• Staying well-hydrated
• Increased intake of low-fat fish and poultry
• Avoiding high-fat red meats (select leaner cuts)

Remember, that changing your diet takes time and patience. Enlist cooperation and input from family members and friends. Learn to read restaurant menus carefully, looking for low-salt, heart-healthy choices.

Additionally, read your food labels. They provide a wealth of information on calorie count and nutritional content.

A positive approach

Changing your diet to reduce your blood pressure involves more than a list of don'ts. Little by little, incorporate these healthy options into your daily intake. You'll find that good food crowds out your desire for high-fat, sugary foods, and empty calorie choices.

Examples include:

• Using salt-free seasonings, such as Mrs. Dash
• Fresh, canned, or frozen vegetables with no salt
• Watch your portions (have regular salad dressing, but don't flood your greens with it)
• Try new foods (you may be pleasantly surprised at how good nutritious food can taste)

Aim for 120/80

At Cardiovascular Institute in Tomball, TX, managing hypertension is a high priority. And, remember, you can do it. For more help on changing to a heart-healthy diet, contact Dr. Daljit Muttiana and his dedicated team for a consultation. We provide exceptional and comprehensive cardiac care. Call us at (281) 357-5700.