Excess Sodium And Hypertension
Paul Kanute
Hypertension is persistent high blood pressure. It affects
nearly one quarter of American adults and more than half of
people over 65. Most cases are essential hypertension, in which
the cause is unknown.
Left untreated, the excessive pressure of blood on the arteries
eventually scars and narrows them, reducing their elasticity.
This is increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis, because
fatty plaque accumulates where arteries are damaged. The heart
force to work much harder pumping blood through the narrowed
arteries, becomes enlarged and inefficient. Eventually the
heart is unable to supply enough nutrients and oxygen to organ
and tissues. The kidneys, the brain, and the heart are
especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of high blood
pressure.
There is a genetic predisposition to essential hypertension.
For example, African Americans are more likely to develop
hypertension and at an earlier age than Caucasians. If both
parents have high blood pressure, then the probability their
children also will have it rises dramatically.
But does diet also play a role? Could changing our diets
prevent or delay high blood pressure? And for people who have
hypertension, can changing their diet help control their blood
pressure?
Excessive sodium can hold excessive fluid in body, at least
temporarily. These excesses can be burdensome on the kidneys,
heart, and blood vessels. The consensus among heart disease
expert is that too much sodium, ingested routinely over the
years, plays a role in the underlying causes of hypertension in
genetically predisposed or "salt-sensitive" people. The more
salt they eat, the higher their blood pressure.
Hypertension is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, kidney
disease, and stroke. Excess sodium intake raises blood pressure
in those who are salt-sensitive. Inadequate levels of potassium,
calcium, and possibly magnesium may also contribute to
hypertension. Limiting sodium intake, along with eating lots of
low-sodium vegetables, fruits, and low-fat daily products, will
probably help reduce hypertension and its side effects.
About The Author:
http://www.thehypertension.com
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