Why should patients with hypertension follow a low-salt, low-fat diet?
Nov 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Generally, hypertension patients are advised to follow a low-salt, low-fat diet mainly to reduce fluid and sodium retention, promote vascular dilation, control blood volume, prevent hyperlipidemia, and protect cardiovascular health. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and undergo standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Generally, hypertension patients are advised to follow a low-salt, low-fat diet primarily to reduce fluid retention, dilate blood vessels, control blood volume, prevent hyperlipidemia, and protect cardiovascular health. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and undergo standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Reduce fluid retention
Hypertensive patients are prone to fluid retention, which refers to excessive accumulation of fluid in the body. This can further elevate blood pressure. Excessive salt intake is one of the main causes of fluid retention; therefore, reducing salt intake helps lower blood pressure.
2. Dilate blood vessels
A low-salt diet helps dilate blood vessels, relieve vascular constriction, thereby lowering blood pressure and helping maintain stable blood pressure levels.
3. Control blood volume
Excessive salt intake increases blood volume, subsequently increasing cardiac workload and blood pressure. A low-salt diet can reduce blood volume and help lower blood pressure.
4. Prevent hyperlipidemia
A high-fat diet increases levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body, leading to hyperlipidemia. Hypertensive patients have blood vessel walls that are easily damaged. If blood lipid levels rise, atherosclerosis may easily develop, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
5. Protect cardiovascular health
A low-fat diet helps reduce intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, maintaining healthy blood lipid levels. This helps protect cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of arterial blockage.
Following a low-salt, low-fat diet helps hypertension patients lower blood pressure, prevent hyperlipidemia, and protect cardiovascular health. Additionally, combining healthy lifestyle habits, such as increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and alcohol moderation, can provide more comprehensive management and control of hypertension.
