Hypertension Losing Battle

A new study reveals that the number of Americans following the DASH diet for improved cardiovascular health has dropped significantly.

The DASH diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, was developed in 1999. The U.S. government issued guidelines for a heart-healthy diet designed to help lower cholesterol and to help control hypertension.

Hypertension is simply high blood pressure which, if left uncontrolled, can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In addition to medications, a diet low in saturated fats and high in protein, fruits and vegetables helps to control hypertension and prevent heart attacks and strokes.

A new study shows that between 1994 and 2004 the number of Americans following the DASH diet guidelines has dropped from what it was in the preceding study from 1988-1994. In fact, only about 22% of the group studied are following simple dietary guidelines to promote heart health.

According to Dr. Phillip Mellen, an Assistant Professor of internal medicine at Wake Forrest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC, the reason for this decline is unknown. Some of the reasons speculated include cost, location and education.

Older individuals with at least high school educations were more compliant with The DASH diet as were those with diabetes. Younger participants and African- Americans were among the group with the lowest level of compliance. Availability of healthy foods also played an important part.

The DASH diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, grains and low-fat dairy products many of which require preparation and cook times that exceed the fast paced needs of our society. These foods are very expensive as well.

Another factor that Dr. Mellen presents is the fact that nutrition and dietary counseling is not reimbursed by Medicare or other health care insurance. Therefore, for physicians and other prescribing health care practitioners it is more cost effective to write a prescription for medications than to spend time counseling patients about their diet.

More emphasis needs to be placed on the significance of combining healthy eating and lifestye with medication to control hypertension.

Simple DASH diet guidelines and sample menus are available from the National Institute of Health.