Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My aunt, aged 53, is a hypertensive patient and has been under Metoprolol 50 mg (milligrams) for the past seven years. However, her BP sometimes shoots up to 160/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) in a few days. She used to feel giddy and also had headaches whenever her BP raised.
What could be the reason?
Does diet have a relation with hypertension?
Does eating foods with high salt content cause high BP?
If so, what is the required diet for patients with hypertension?
Does following a specific diet maintain a proper BP level?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Your aunt is on medication that comes under the family of beta blockers, and beta blockers are not the first-line antihypertensives. There are better options for her regarding medication.
In my opinion, her medicine should be changed.
High blood pressure incidence is very high everywhere and, if left uncontrolled, can cause significant morbidity over time.
Blood pressure can be easily controlled with medication and lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes include low intake of salt, avoiding processed meals, avoiding junk meals, use of salt substitutes, etc.
Other measures include exercise and weight reduction.
Blood pressure (BP), if left untreated, can cause cardiovascular damage, cerebrovascular accidents, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
Headache can also occur when BP is raised, and it signifies that blood pressure is high and should be controlled as soon as possible.
The recommended diet for BP control is the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet as per the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.
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Answered byDr. Wajahat
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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