YOGA, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & NUTRITION (DASH)

Bob Crowther shares some information relating high blood pressure and nutrition choices (DASH).

***

DASH

(= Dietary Aproaches To Stop Hypertension) 

The medical community promotes a change in nutrition choices for those diagnosed with high blood pressure - referred to as DASH - to consume fruits and vegetables along with low fat dairy products while reducing overall salt consumption. 

The American Society of Hypertension recommends exercise to complement nutritional changes to lower blood pressure levels. 

A major risk factor associated with cardiovascular disease is high blood pressure (hypertension) - the subject of The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure [National Institutes of Health]. 

The incidence of high blood pressure in the United States has become a national concern as approximately one third of adults have elevated blood pressure levels. 

Be Proactive ! Ask Your Doctor Questions

The biology of arterial blood pressure control is complex; simplified:

•  it involves communication between the brain (specific area of the medulla) and specialized nerves known as baro (pressure) receptors in the aortic arch and carotid sinus - with an ability to adjust the heart rate and strength of muscle contraction and the diameter of the blood vessels

• it is influenced by other regions of the brain (hypothalmus and pituitary, hormone release) and the kidneys (adjusting water content of urine) 

A measurement of blood pressure in the arteries of less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) is considered normal and healthy. 

Systolic (120) refers to arterial pressure when the heart contracts; diastolic (80) to arterial pressure when the heart relaxes.

***

The American Heart Association recognizes ranges of systolic/diastolic measurements that warrant medical attention:

• Prehypertension, 120-139/80-89  
• High Blood Pressure (Stage 1), 140-159/90-99
• High Blood Pressure (Stage 2), over 160/100
• Emergency Care Crisis, over 180/110

**

Factors that contribute to high blood pressure are age, genetics, sedentary lifestyles, being overweight, obesity, stress, salt and alcohol along with chronic kidney disease and abnormal adrenal and thyroid functions.

Blood pressure will change depending on position, temperature, exercise, stress and drugs among other conditions. 

Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries, loss of blood vessel elasticity) occurs with age. 

Clinical symptoms of high blood pressure include chest pains and a heart attack; regular measurement of blood pressure is recommended by the American Medical Association. 

Diuretics and a large selection of medications are often prescribed for patients diagnosed with high blood pressure but drug use is not the only option available.

Contact 

Bob Crowther

774-272-5760

Walking and yoga (gentle asanas and meditation) are two types of safe activities that Bob has encouraged clients with high blood pressure to pursue. 

The Harvard Medical School Health Publication recommends 'moderate intensity' exercise that promotes taking 100 steps/minute.

Before any type of aerobic physical activity is begun, consult your doctor.

Learn more about what steps you can take to maintain normal blood pressure ranges and to reduce elevated blood pressure values.

Be comfortable asking questions and receiving answers you can understand. 

Find out which combination of treatment(s) would be best for you: medications, nutrition and/or exercise.

 BOB CROWTHER - NUTRITION - YOGA