High Blood Pressure and

Congestive Heart Failure

Topic 7

What Is Blood Pressure?The pressure blood exerts on the arteries

It can rise and fall throughout the dayHigh blood pressure (hypertension)

Occurs when blood pressure remains elevated over a period of time

Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) When the heart works too hard it may lead to a

stroke or heart attack

High Blood Pressure FactsSystolic (top number)Diastolic (bottom

number)Many individuals will

attain their diastolic blood pressure goals once they reach their systolic blood pressure goal

Modifications in lifestyle can aid in improving systolic blood pressure

What Defines High Blood Pressure?

NormalSystolic: < 120 mm

Hg ORDiastolic: <80 mm

HgPre-hypertension

Systolic: 120-139 mm Hg OR

Diastolic: 80-89 mm Hg

What Defines High Blood Pressure? (cont’d)Stage 1 hypertension

Systolic: 140-159 mm Hg OR

Diastolic: 90-99 mm Hg

Stage 2 hypertensionSystolic : > or equal

to 160 mm HgDiastolic: > or equal

to 100 mm Hg

What Are Some of the Causes of High Blood Pressure?

Chronic kidney disease

Thyroid conditionsGeneticsDrugs (illegal)

CocaineLifestyleCertain medications

Birth control

Untreated HypertensionStrokeHeart failureRenal failureMemory trouble

High Blood Pressure: InterventionsWeight loss

Especially if overweight or obesePhysical activity

30 minutes daily most days of the weekHealthy eating

DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet

Limit sodium intake 2-4 grams daily

Limit fat intake Incorporate meat into a meal as “a part” of the meal and not

as the “focus” of the mealRestrict daily alcohol intake

Men=no more than 2 drinks and Women=no more than 1 drink

Nutrition: Sodium in Food ItemsAim to limit/avoid these items:

Table salt Do not add table salt to food Limit addition of table salt when cooking

Processed foodsCondiments, sauces and seasonings

Tip #1: Purchase canned vegetables packed in water or rinse canned foods such as tuna and canned beans .

Tip #2: Flavor foods with sodium free herbs and spices.Tip #3: When dinning out let your server know that you

are looking for low salt or no salt items.

Nutrient Claims: Reading LabelsSodium:

High=more than 300 mg/servingModerate=140-300 mg/servingLow=<140 mg/servingVery Low=<35 mg/servingSodium Free=<5mg/serving

Aim to limit high sodium foodsA high sodium food item may also equate to

eating more than a serving size of a moderate or low sodium food item

What Is Heart Failure?The heart is unable to efficiently pump blood

throughout the bodyComplications can occur

Lung congestionAbdominal painAnkle swellingBreathing difficulty

StatisticsLeading cause of cardiovascular disease related

deathsOver 630,000 deaths per year relating to heart

disease

Heart Failure: CausesPrevious heart

attackCoronary heart

diseaseChronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (COPD)

Excessive alcohol consumption

Low thyroid function

Heart Failure: Risk FactorsPhysical inactivityOverweight/obesityCigarette smokingDiabetesHypertension

Heart Failure: ComplicationsEdema (collection of fluid) in extremitiesFatiguePulmonary edema (collection of fluid in

lungs)Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)Kidneys can function improperlyLiver can become damaged (scarring)In some cases, cardiac cachexia (wasting

through loss of weight and muscle mass)

Heart Failure: TreatmentSodium restriction DiureticsMay include pacemaker or transplantCertain treatments can improve heart

function

Untreated heart failure can lead to death!

When Do I See a doctor?Chest pain?Fatigue and weakness?Rapid or irregular heartbeat?Shortness of breath when you exert yourself or

when you lie down?Reduced ability to exercise?Persistent cough or wheezing with white/pink

colored phlegm?Swelling in your abdomen, legs, ankles and/or

feet?Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness?If the answer to any of these is YES, then see a doctor!

Can Heart Failure Be Prevented? Yes!

Control certain medical conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes

Stay physically activeMaintain a healthy weightReduce and properly manage stress Stop smokingEat healthy foods

Discussion and Questions?

Food Model: Show and Tell

Reference MaterialsAmerican Heart Association

http://www.americanheart.orgHeart Failure Society of America

http://www.hfsa.orgNational Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Information Centerhttp://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/

Mayo Clinic (DASH Diet Recipes): http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dash-diet-recipes/RE00089

DASH Diethttp://www.nih.gov/news/pr/apr97/Dash.htm