QuestionMy husband is 31 years old and has high blood pressure. In the last year, I've made him measure his blood pressure 10-12 times, and it's consistently high: never below 140/90, often 150/100, and a couple of times it was 160/110. The trouble is, he's otherwise very healthy and very fit, so I don't know what to change in his diet to lower his blood pressure.
1. Family
He has a family history of hypertension from both parents, especially his mother, whom he takes after.
2. Diet
Relatively healthy. Lots of fish, seafood and vegetables, a glass of milk every day, some red meat, but dessert after every dinner. He hates fruits. Carbs are mainly from white rice and whole wheat flatbread (chapatis). We eat out twice a month. One thing worries me: he insists on having NO breakfast, a light lunch and then a heavy dinner. Alcohol: around 20-25 drinks per month for the last year. No smoking.
3. Exercise
He's in very good shape. 5'10", 145 lbs. Runs 5 miles twice a week, weights around once a week.
Any suggestions?
Answer1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
2. Salt can elevate blood pressure, so be aware of sodium intake. Canned vegetables, anything with perservatives have high sodium contents. Read labels - very important
3. Family history of hypertension - familial tendencies
4. Check with family doctor to establish a baseline for his blood pressure and possible need for medication. BP is too high for his age.
Sounds like his height and weight are fine but BP is high.
