Into the Heart

Vegetables Calm Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) affects approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide.  It has been estimated that ninety percent of adults will develop hypertension by age sixty-five. With the application of evolving knowledge, as noted below, we should anticipate delaying the onset of hypertension by a least a decade.

The potassium/sodium ratio is a key factor in regulating blood pressure. Prior emphasis was focused on lowering sodium to moderate blood pressure. Lowering sodium intake is effective means to lower blood pressure. This is because sodium tends to tighten blood vessels.  However, newer research suggests increasing potassium has a favorable effect on blood pressure.  More specifically, a higher intake of potassium and lower sodium consumption seems to be more beneficial than focusing exclusively on sodium or potassium in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The advocacy and application of a correct potassium/sodium ratio will result in less hypertension and  cardiovascular disease worldwide. A favorable potassium/sodium ratio can be achieved through dietary means. A good start is to avoid pre-made and processed foods. They are very high in sodium.

Fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. Kidney and pinto beans, bananas, tomato sauce, tomato juice and orange juice are especially rich in potassium. Keep in mind, canned  beans will likely have added salt; a bag of dried beans is more economical and more healthful. Also look for no salt added tomato sauce. Orange juice with added calcium is more heart healthy.

More than 70 million Americans, or nearly one in three adults are estimated to have hypertension. 
Fewer than fifty percent achieve blood pressure control.
Hypertension is the most common reason for visits to physician's offices and the primary reason for prescription drug use.

Sources:
Joint Effects of Sodium and Potassium Intake on Subsequent Cardiovascular Disease
The Trials of Hypertension Prevention Follow-up Study
Nancy R. Cook, ScD; Eva Obarzanek, PhD
Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(1):32-40.

Leading Worldwide cause of Cardiovascular Disease may be Modified by Diet
Mark C. Houston, M.D
Journal Clinical Hypertension 2008/July

Low Dose Aspirin at Bedtime

Low-dose aspirin has also been shown to reduce blood pressure when administered at bedtime as opposed to awakening in untreated pre-hypertensive individuals. A recent study investigated the effects on ambulatory blood pressure of aspirin administered at different times of the day in pre-hypertension: individuals with an elevated risk of developing hypertension.

244 individuals with pre-hypertension, average age 43.0 (plus or minus 13.0 years of age), were randomly divided in three groups: nonpharmacological hygienic dietary recommendations; the same recommendations and aspirin (100 mg/day) on awakening; or the same recommendations and aspirin at bedtime. Blood pressure was measured for 48 consecutive hours before and after 3 months of intervention.

Ambulatory blood pressure was unchanged in subjects randomized to either non-pharmacological intervention or aspirin on awakening.

However, a significant ambulatory blood pressure reduction was observed in the subjects who received aspirin at bedtime: a decrease of 6/3 mm Hg in the twenty four hour mean of systolic/diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure was homogenously controlled along the twenty four hour after bedtime aspirin administration. A 6/4 mm Hg reduction in activity mean of systolic/diastolic blood pressure; 6/3 mm Hg reduction in sleep-time mean, respectively.

This study demonstrates a significant effect on blood pressure with low dose aspirin when taken at bedtime by pre-hypertensive individuals. The timed administration of low-dose aspirin provides a cost-effective approach for blood pressure control in individuals at elevated risk of developing hypertension.

Source:
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control With Bedtime Aspirin Administration
in Subjects With Prehypertension
Ramón C. Hermida, Diana E. Ayala, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
American Journal of Hypertension 2009