Questions and Answers
What does CVD stand for?
Cardiovascular Disease
Which of the following are types of cardiovascular diseases? (Select all that apply)
What is the blood pressure threshold for hypertension?
140/90 mmHg
What diet is recommended for managing hypertension?
Signup and view all the answers
Following the DASH diet results in higher blood pressure.
Signup and view all the answers
The recommended sodium intake for managing hypertension is ______ mg/day.
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of sodium in a typical American diet typically comes from processed foods?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the health benefits of increasing potassium intake?
Signup and view all the answers
Weight loss has no effect on blood pressure levels.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)
- CVD encompasses various diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, hypertension, and arterial diseases.
- Atherosclerotic CVD is caused by the progressive narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, known as atherosclerosis.
Hypertension
- Defined as sustained blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher, it is a critical modifiable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and peripheral arterial disease.
- Hypertension correlates with a shorter life expectancy and is influenced by environmental (obesity, inactivity, sodium and alcohol intake) and genetic factors.
Dietary Management of Hypertension
- Nutrition therapy can lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension in normotensive and pre-hypertensive individuals.
- Effective dietary management may eliminate the need for medication in cases of mild hypertension.
- The DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is recommended:
- High in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.
- Moderate in poultry, fish, and nuts.
- Low in fats, red meats, and added sugars.
- The DASH diet is rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber while being low in total fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol.
- Following the DASH diet leads to significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to drug monotherapy for mild hypertension.
- Blood pressure reductions occur without caloric restriction or sodium intake reduction.
Sodium Intake Guidelines
- Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg/day; lower sodium correlates with lower blood pressure levels.
- The DASH diet consistently results in lower blood pressure compared to control diets at all sodium levels.
- Processed foods account for about 77% of sodium intake in the typical American diet, often containing "hidden" sodium.
Tips to Lower Sodium Intake
- Eliminate high-sodium processed foods; opt for fresh or low-sodium products.
- Avoid adding salt during cooking or at the table.
- Read Nutrition Facts labels; aim for foods with less than 300 mg sodium per serving.
- Educate patients on how reducing sodium helps the body eliminate excess fluid and lower blood pressure.
- Sodium often comes from preservatives, leavening agents, and flavor enhancers in foods.
- Low-sodium salt substitutes may still contain sodium; they can help reduce overall sodium intake gradually.
- Seek low-sodium options when dining out and enhance flavors using herbs, spices, lemon juice, and vinegar.
Potassium and Weight Management
- Increase potassium intake to 4,700 mg/day; higher potassium levels are associated with decreased blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals.
- Weight loss is effective in reducing blood pressure; the more weight lost, the greater the reduction in blood pressure.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores the dietary management strategies for various cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. It covers the definitions, causes, and dietary recommendations for patients dealing with these life-threatening conditions. Ideal for students and healthcare professionals interested in nutrition and cardiovascular health.
