Which lifestyle modification is recommended for a patient with hypertension?

Which lifestyle modification is recommended for a patient with hypertension?

• A. Reduce intake of sodium
• B. Reduce intake of potassium
• C. Reduce intake of calcium
• D. Reduce intake of protein

Answer: (A)

Lowering sodium intake has a direct and well-supported impact on lowering blood pressure. When you consume less salt, the body retains less water, which reduces extracellular fluid volume. That decrease in blood volume lowers the pressure the heart must generate to circulate blood and reduces the force on arterial walls, helping to bring blood pressure down. This approach is a cornerstone of hypertension management and is reflected in widely used dietary plans like the DASH diet; many guidelines target sodium intake around 1500 mg per day or a meaningful reduction from typical intake. Potassium, calcium, and protein levels aren’t adjusted in the same way to lower blood pressure. Adequate potassium intake is generally encouraged because it helps counteract sodium’s effect on blood pressure in people with normal kidney function, rather than being reduced. Reducing calcium or protein isn’t a standard hypertension-reduction strategy, though overall balanced nutrition remains important for health.

Lowering sodium intake has a direct and well-supported impact on lowering blood pressure. When you consume less salt, the body retains less water, which reduces extracellular fluid volume. That decrease in blood volume lowers the pressure the heart must generate to circulate blood and reduces the force on arterial walls, helping to bring blood pressure down. This approach is a cornerstone of hypertension management and is reflected in widely used dietary plans like the DASH diet; many guidelines target sodium intake around 1500 mg per day or a meaningful reduction from typical intake.

Potassium, calcium, and protein levels aren’t adjusted in the same way to lower blood pressure. Adequate potassium intake is generally encouraged because it helps counteract sodium’s effect on blood pressure in people with normal kidney function, rather than being reduced. Reducing calcium or protein isn’t a standard hypertension-reduction strategy, though overall balanced nutrition remains important for health.