High blood pressure, DASH diet Published Feb. 1, 2010 By Lauren Allain 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is of great concern in the United States. It is estimated to affect almost 90 percent of adults in their lifetime, and lead to 277,000 deaths a year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, strokes, heart failure and kidney disease. An individual may not experience symptoms for many years until serious problems develop. Medication and lifestyle changes are two treatment methods that successfully lower blood pressure. One lifestyle modification that has demonstrated particular success is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet. The DASH diet recommends low salt intake but also includes whole grains, nuts, fish, and poultry. The diet includes foods rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, protein and fiber, and also provides guidelines to lower cholesterol and saturated fat intake. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a helpful guide for understanding and using the DASH diet. The guide includes lists of DASH foods, food choice suggestions, nutrient content of common foods, and a one-week suggested daily menu using the DASH guidelines. This particular guide, as well as other reading materials about high blood pressure and heart disease, is available at the health and wellness center on Shaw Air Force Base, and also at the family practice clinic. In addition to eating a healthy diet, daily exercise and weight loss may help lower blood pressure. Certain ethnic groups are at an even higher risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. African Americans and Hispanics should pay special attention to this aspect of health. If you are interested in finding out what your blood pressure is, or would like to learn more about preventing heart disease, visit the HAWC or the family practice clinic and ask for a nurse educator.