see 7 myths and truths about food and high blood pressure

To reinforce the importance of preventing high blood pressure, the federal government celebrates, this Tuesday (26/4), the National Day for the Prevention and Combat of Arterial Hypertension. According to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), 30% of the population has chronic disease.

About 90% of hypertensive people develop the disease due to genetic factors, but the condition is related to obesity, non-restorative sleep, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and excessive alcohol consumption.

“Life habits in childhood and adolescence, especially those related to the practice of physical activities and the choice of healthy foods, can determine the onset of arterial hypertension in early adulthood”, highlights doctor Alexandre Anderson, cardiologist at Hospital Brasília. Águas Claras/Dasa unit.

Despite not having many symptoms, when the pressure is too high, the patient may experience chest pain, ringing in the ears, headache and dizziness. About 70% of patients need medication to control the disease, says Anderson.

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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disease that attacks the heart, blood vessels, eyes, brain and can drastically affect the kidneys. It is caused when the pressure is frequently above 140 by 90 mmHgGizmo/Getty Images

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Apart from the genetic issue, factors such as consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, large amounts of salt, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, advanced age, stress and a sedentary lifestyle can also influence blood pressure levels.Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

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Dizziness, blurred vision, headache or neck pain are the main symptoms related to the disease. These discomforts usually appear when the pressure builds up quickly.Colin Hawkins/Getty Images

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Other common symptoms in people with high blood pressure are: ringing in the ears, double or blurry vision, pain in the back of the head and head, drowsiness, palpitations, nausea and small blood spots in the eyes.Grace Cary/Getty Images

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High blood pressure is responsible for serious health problems like stroke, heart failure and vision loss. When you suspect that you have the disease, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure with a proper device, at home or at the pharmacy.Peter M. Fisher/Getty Images

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Despite gravity, high blood pressure can be controlled. Healthy habits such as exercising, eating healthy, avoiding situations that can cause stress, reducing alcohol consumption, keeping weight and cholesterol under control, and avoiding drugs that increase blood pressure (such as caffeine, antidepressants, and corticosteroids) can help control blood pressure Getty Images

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When presenting any symptoms, a cardiologist should be sought. As it is a disease that has no cure and can cause cardiovascular problems, early diagnosis considerably reduces more serious and irreversible conditions.bluecinema/ Getty Images

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Only a specialist is able to diagnose cases of hypertension and indicate the necessary treatment to reduce symptoms and consequences of the disease. Generally, the use of medication and rest are indicatedA. Martin UW Photography/ Getty Images

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However, if the pressure remains higher than indicated, that is, 140/90 mmHg after one hour, the patient should immediately go to a hospital to take intravenous antihypertensives.Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

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Check out seven myths and truths about the relationship between diet and hypertension

1 – Salt is the main villain of blood pressure

True, but not the only one. High salt consumption is related to increased blood pressure, but it is also bad for healthy people. Other factors such as smoking, alcoholism and physical inactivity are also linked to hypertension.

2 – Healthy eating fights high blood pressure

Truth. According to the nutrition coordinator at Fundação Pró-Rim, Jyana Campos, it is necessary to balance fruits, vegetables and grains, in addition to limiting processed foods and reducing salt consumption.

3 – Teas can control high blood pressure

Myth. According to her, no single drink can control hypertension.

4 – Substituting regular salt for light can help

Myth. Normal salt is sodium chloride, and light salt is potassium chloride — so this version is contraindicated for patients with chronic kidney disease. According to the nutritionist, any type of salt is bad, especially in large amounts. “The recommended is normal salt, the simple one, but little”, says Campos.

5 – Coffee and alcoholic beverages can influence blood pressure in predisposed people

More or less. Drinking coffee in normal amounts isn’t bad, but drinking alcohol is.

6 – A diet rich in ultra-processed foods can trigger hypertension and heart problems

Truth. The nutritionist teaches that, yes, in large quantities and very often, these foods can be harmful.

7 – People with hypertension should avoid pork for the amount of fat

Myth. Like other types of meat, just give preference to cuts that have less fat

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