High blood pressure: Causes of hypertension include tomatoes in a jar or can

High blood pressure – a process by which the force of the blood pushing against your arteries is constantly too high – can cause your arteries to lose their flexibility and narrow. “The constriction makes it easier for adipose tissue to become clogged (atheroma),” warns the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Over time, this mechanism can block and increase your risk of a heart attack.

“Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces are also high in salt when they come in cans or jars,” warns Durham Nephrology Associates, a medical group specializing in hypertension.

It’s wiser to go for low-sodium varieties or use fresh tomatoes, the health department advises.

Other culprits to watch out for include:

• Canned soups are top offenders. If you’re in the mood for soup, consider making your own using a low-sodium recipe or look for low-sodium and low-sodium canned options. This includes packaged broths.
• Frozen pizzas with a thick crust and lots of toppings are particularly rich in sodium.
• Frozen seafood and meat may also have added salt.

Prepared foods from the deli or refrigerated section of your local grocery store may also have their salt content, so read the labels.

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How does salt increase blood pressure?

A diet rich in salt disrupts the body’s natural sodium balance.

“This causes the body to retain water, which increases the pressure of the blood against the vessel walls,” explains Action on Salt, a group that studies salt and its effects on health.

“If we as a nation could cut one gram of salt from our average daily salt intake, the UK would have about 6,000 fewer deaths from stroke and heart attacks each year.”

Adults in the UK are advised to consume less than six grams of salt per day, which is about a teaspoon.

Other important nutrition tips

“A low-fat diet high in fiber, such as whole grain rice, bread, and pasta, and lots of fruits and vegetables, also helps lower blood pressure,” the NHS notes.

According to the health department, drinking too much alcohol regularly can also increase blood pressure over time.

Following the recommended levels is the best way to reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

The UK health guidelines state:

• Men and women should not drink more than 14 units per week on a regular basis
• Spread your drinking over three days or more if you drink up to 14 units per week.

As the NHS points out, alcohol is also high in calories, which can make you gain weight and further raise your blood pressure.

How to check your blood pressure

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so all you can do is get your blood pressure checked.

You can request a blood pressure test – you don’t have to wait to be offered one.

Blood pressure measurements are available:

• In your family doctor’s practice – at the family doctor, practice nurse, care assistant or self-service device
• In some pharmacies
• At an NHS health check-up appointment offered to adults aged 40 to 74 in England
• At some workplaces
• At a health event.

You can also measure your blood pressure at home with a home test kit.

source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/high-blood-pressure-causes-of-hypertension-include-tomatoes-in-a-jar-or-can/