High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Over a period of years, high blood pressure can damage the arteries throughout the body. The result is arteries that are thickened and stiff, a condition called arteriosclerosis. If left untreated, hypertension can also lead to kidney disease and stoke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Americans; stroke is the third biggest killer.

High blood pressure accelerates the process of atherosclerosis and thus, may affect the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. In persons with high levels of cholesterol in their blood, fatty deposits, called plaques, will further narrow the arteries.

When these vessels become obstructed and the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, a heart attack may occur.               

When the blood pressure is elevated, the heart is forced to work harder. Over time, the heart muscle may become enlarged in order to keep pushing blood out of the heart into narrower vessels.
                                                                    The heart       muscle also become less efficient over time and congestive heart failure may occur. The result of this condition is that the heart cannot pump out all of the fluid returning to it from the body. Thus, fluids accumulate in the lungs, legs and other tissues.                 
                          

For many individuals, blood pressure goes up with age. Women are often protected through menopause. For men, it's sooner, starting perhaps by age 45 to 50. However, just because you're older doesn't mean you'll develop high blood pressure.

In January of 1998, it was estimated that approximately 50 million Americans have blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) or greater. The top number--systolic reading-- measures arterial pressure when the heart contracts. The bottom number--diastolic reading-- is the pressure between heartbeats.
 

Medications have substantially reduced the risk of heart attack, kidney disease and stroke for many countless numbers of people. But for those with mild hypertension, are other options are recommended as the first line of treatment.

The results of a large-scale study were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in the fall of 1998. The results confirmed earlier findings that indicated that a modest weight loss and a reduction in sodium intake could often eliminate the need for medication in mildly hypertensive individuals.

In November of 1997, the National Institutes of Health recommended that people with mild hypertension try the DASH diet for 6 to 12 months before starting any medications. 
                                                      

In August, the American Heart Association followed suit with a similar recommendation. It added the DASH diet (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) to its list of recommendations as a means of both preventing and lowering high blood pressure.

The DASH diet provides essential nutrients, particularly potassium, magnesium and calcium. Research indicates that potassium lowers blood pressure by relaxing the arteries. It may also help the body excrete sodium, which would beneficial for sodium sensitive individuals. Sensitivity to sodium, which can cause high blood pressure, increases with age.

1. Exercise
2. Not Smoking
3. Limiting alcohol to no more than one or two/day
4. Reducing sodium intake