Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)

Lesson 28:Hypertension – causes, symptoms and dietary management

Types

When the cause of hypertension is unknown, it is called essential hypertension.

1. Mild hypertension Diastolic pressure is 90 to 104 mm Hg. Treatment is based on weight loss, sodium restriction and behavioural techniques.
2. Moderate hypertension Diastolic pressure is 105 to 119 mm Hg in moderate hypertension. Nutritional therapy is supported by drugs such as blockers.
3. Severe hypertension Diastolic pressure is 120 to 130 mm Hg and above. Apart from giving treatment for moderate hypertension peripheral vasodilators are given. Diet therapy revolves around potassium replacement in the use of drugs and nutritional support for weight management and sodium modification.