Carmen, age 34, has had hypertension since she was a teenager, as do many members of her immediate family. At a visit to the doctor one year ago after her twin brother had suffered an acute episode of hypertension requiring hospitalization, Carmen decided to seriously attempt to reduce her sodium and salt intakes. She has successfully mastered a low-sodium diet by: eliminating the use of a salt shaker; ordering fresh, no-salt-added foods in restaurants; avoiding salty condiments; avoiding ready-to-eat foods; and using herbs and salt-free seasonings. She has recently begun reading labels and following portions of the DASH diet. Her doctor tells her to expect a further reduction in her blood pressure if she can master the DASH diet.
If Carmen closely follows the DASH Eating Plan, she can expect to see how much of a reduction in her systolic blood pressure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Eating Plan is known to reduce systolic blood pressure by about 5-6 mmHg in individuals with hypertension.

Carmen, Age 34, Has Had Hypertension Since She Was a Teenager