Medical nutrition therapy for hypertension and albuminuria

Abstract

It is estimated that a population-wide reduction in blood pressure comparable to that seen with the reduced sodium DASH diet would result in a decrease of 17% in the prevalence of hypertension, a 6% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease, and a 15% reduction in stroke and transient ischemic attacks. High blood pressure can be controlled by weight loss in people who are overweight; being physically active; eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods; choosing foods lower in sodium; limiting alcohol intake; and, if prescribed, taking antihypertensive medications. All but the last also help prevent high blood pressure. If micro- or macro-albuminuria is present, a modest reduction in protein may slow progression of nephropathy.