Chart Diet Low Potassium

Chart Diet Low Potassium

Chart Diet Low Potassium

When the blood circulates through the body, it exerts varying degrees of force on the walls of the arteries. This force, referred to as blood pressure, can easily become problematic. According to the American Heart Association, more than 50 million Americans have blood pressure that is too high (called hypertension). Because it is symptomless in its early stages, many individuals do not realize they have a potentially life-threatening disease. High blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels if left unattended. It can also lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and other serious ailments. A low-sodium, high-fiber diet will go a long way towards stabilizing blood pressure.

Causes of Hypertension

In some cases (about 10%) there is an underlying cause for the escalation of the blood pressure. Perhaps an artery has narrowed in the kidney, or maybe there is an adrenal gland disorder or a complication with pregnancy. Sometimes hypertension develops as a side effect of a particular drug. In most cases, however, there is no identifiable cause for hypertension. Essential hypertension, as this is referred to, accounts for 95% of all hypertension cases.

Blood pressure rises when the arterioles constrict, requiring the heart to beat more forcefully in order to pump blood through the narrowed arteries. High levels of adrenaline and other hormones can bring about this constriction of the arteries. Increased blood volume also occurs when the body retains excessive salt and fluids.