Nutrition and Cardiovascular Diseases Quiz

Chronic Diseases & Nutrition: Cardiovascular Diseases and Hypertension

• Hypertension is a prevalent form of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• Individuals often experience no symptoms
• Key indicators of blood pressure are systolic (ventricular contraction) and diastolic (relaxation) pressure

How Blood Pressure Works

• Blood pressure is influenced by the heart's pumping action, the resistance in blood vessels (peripheral resistance), and blood volume
• At the start of capillaries, blood pressure forces fluid and small molecules into the tissues
• As blood travels through capillaries, large molecules like proteins are concentrated, and blood pressure decreases
• Fluids and waste products are drawn back into the capillaries

Nutrition and Hypertension

• Kidneys filter waste, and atherosclerosis can disrupt this process, causing a rise in blood pressure
• Risk factors that contribute to hypertension include atherosclerosis, obesity, and insulin resistance

How Does Nutrition Affect Hypertension?

• Losing weight, especially 10 pounds if overweight, can significantly lower blood pressure
• Regular physical activity can lower blood pressure for 12+ hours
• Sodium intake has a direct correlation with blood pressure; some individuals are more sensitive to salt
• Increasing potassium intake may reduce salt sensitivity (UL = 2,300 mg/day)

7 Salty Myths

• Sea salt (often perceived as healthier) usually has similar sodium content to table salt.
• High sodium levels aren't only found in obvious salty foods; processed foods are a key source of sodium for many.
• Some individuals who experience normal blood pressure may still benefit from reducing sodium intake, and lowering sodium helps reduce risks in the future
• Cutting salt may not impact taste; spices, herbs, and citrus can enhance flavor.
• Salt isn't always added during cooking; other sources of sodium include processed foods and certain medications.

Alcohol and Hypertension

• Excessive alcohol consumption raises blood pressure

Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Vitamin C

• Diets rich in these nutrients are connected to preventing and correcting hypertension

DASH Eating Plan

• DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a diet to manage or reduce blood pressure
• The diet prioritizes low-sodium foods, and emphasizes potassium, magnesium, and calcium
• The diet increases intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• It lowers fat and sodium intake, and emphasizes legumes over red meat

Hypertension and Chronic Disease

• Hypertension is a common condition, especially among older Canadians (over 65), impacting more than 6 out of 10 in this age group
• 5 behavioral risk factors linked to hypertension have nutritional components.
• Chronic conditions like hypertension can interact negatively with other chronic ailments, significantly increasing their impacts.
• Prevalence of hypertension varies with age, and those with specific factors or conditions such as African descent/genetic history, diabetes, obesity, or kidney disorders may develop this condition at a higher probability.