Question

Among the six nonpharmacological interventions recommended for the prevention and treatment of hypertension, which has the greatest potential impact on systolic blood pressure.

a. following the DASH dietary pattern c. incorporating physical activity

b. moderating alcohol consumption d. decreasing sodium intake

Answer 1

The answer is D. decreasing sodium intake

Sodium intake is directly related to hypertension. A modest reduction in sodium intake will resuls in significant change in blood pressure. Increased sodium in blood stream pulls water to blood vessels and increase the blood volume. Increase in blood volume increases central venous pressure. This cause increase in right atrial pressure, right ventricular end-diastolic pressure and volume.

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension or DASH diet is recommended for prevention and treatment of hypertension. The DASH diet helps to reduce the sodium in diet and eat a variety of foods containing sufficient nutrients.

Incorporating physical activity also helps to control hypertension. Exercising on regular basis will helps to reduce hypertension to an extend.

Heavy drinkers who cut back to normal drinking pattern helps to reduce blood pressure and other cardio vascular problems.