Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. It is a condition that occurs when the pressure inside of your arteries is too high. Because it is a silent disorder the only way to detect hypertension is to have your blood pressure measured. Hypertension is a very common problem that affects about 50 million people in the United States alone. That’s about 1 out of every 4 adults. It is more common as people grow older and is more common and more serious in African Americans.

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Sodium, a component of table salt, is a mineral found naturally in most foods. Everyone needs some sodium but most people get much more than they need. In some people sodium causes water retention that leads to swelling. Besides the discomfort this may cause, it can lead to high blood pressure that increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. Decreasing the amount of sodium in the diet helps reduce extra fluid and swelling which allows the blood pressure to begin to return to normal. Most Americans should consume no more than 2.4 grams (2,400 milligrams) of sodium a day. That is about 1 teaspoon of table salt a day. For someone with high blood pressure, the doctor may advise less. (more…)