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Weight Loss Important for Treating, Preventing Hypertension
 One reason obesity is considered a serious health problem is because it is an
important factor for essential
hypertension (high blood pressure with no
identifiable cause). The exact mechanisms for
obesity to cause essential
hypertension are not fully understood, but it has been linked to the kidneys.
These organs play a key role in regulating blood pressure and other substances
which affect renal salt and water excretion, are important modulators of
hypertension.
Untreated hypertension, commonly referred to as the silent killer,
prematurely ages the body's arteries and can lead to strokes heart attacks and
kidney failure, often without warning. According to latest research findings,
reducing body weight is a "major component" in the treatment of hypertension.
Reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressures -1.05 mm Hg and -0.92
mm Hg, were observed respectively, per kilogram of
weight loss.
The researchers also reported, that a net weight reduction of -5.1 kg as a
result of
energy restriction, increased physical activity, or both led to a
reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures by -4.44 mm Hg and -3.57 mm
Hg, respectively. Even a weight loss of only 7 lbs (3.2 kg) on the average can
result in the need for less blood pressure medication.
The usual cause of high blood pressure is a persistent increase in resistance
to blood flow through the smaller branches of the arteries, which carry blood
from the heart throughout the body.
Spending only 60 to 90 minutes a week
exercising is the optimal amount of
time needed to reduce high blood pressure supported with a diet low in
total fat,
saturated fat, and
cholesterol. The
diet should be rich in
fruits, vegetables, and fiber; and contain small amounts of nonfat dairy
products and meat, fish, poultry, or nuts.
The dose of exercise however, will also depend on the cardiovascular
risk factor. Each exercise session should consisted of :
With the increasing prevalence of obesity, weight control is of the
utmost importance to treat and
prevent hypertension.
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