High Blood Pressure and Foods

Written by: Muhammad Arif Rahimi

 High blood pressure (Hbp) means the pressure in our arteries is higher than it should be. If Hbp patients do not pay attention to their foods, they might suffer more risks.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some patients and physicians about this issue.

Salgai, a resident of Kabul city says: “My grandfather had Hbp but he did not care about his foods. he was eating salty and fatty foods and his blood vessel in his brain burst and he died of brain stroke.”

Sana, a resident of Kabul city says: “one day we have cooked dried meat and my uncle was our guest. He had Hbp and we were preventing him from eating dried meat but he did accept. His blood pressure went higher and now his one side is paralyzed.”

An internist and trainer of specialists at the east zone hospital, doctor Mirwais Habebee says: “Hbp puts extra strain on heart and blood vessels. Over time, this extra strain increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure could also cause heart and kidney disease. Salty and fatty foods cause Hpb and it might cause the paralyzed of one side of the body and the patient might die. Hbp might effect on sight and hearing and might cause the swelling of hands and abdominal edema.”

Why foods cause Hbp?

Abdul Qayum, a resident of Kunar province says: “the physicians say that the consumption of more salt and fatty foods, increase blood pressure but I don’t know the reason.”

Susan, a resident of Kabul city says: “my mother has Hbp and she eats salt and fatty food, the salt absorbs more blood and it could cause high blood pressure.”

Doctor Ajmal Sidiqi, a chest specialist of chest disease at Ibn Sina Chest Hospital, Kabul city says: “salt and some foods cause Hbp. In most people, the kidneys have trouble keeping up with the excess sodium in the bloodstream. As sodium accumulates, the body holds onto water to dilute the sodium. This increase both the amount of fluid surrounding cells and the volume of blood in the bloodstream. Increased blood volume means more work for the heart and more pressure on blood vessels. Over time, the extra work and pressure could stiffen blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. It can also lead to heart failure.”

Which foods to eat and which to avoid?

Aneesa Wardak says she controls her blood pressure with drinking a special tea for Hbp with peas.

Abdul Haq says: “my wife is suffering from Hbp and even her bp increases more than 220/100mmhg. She takes her medicines on time and when her bp goes higher, she eats walnuts or garlic to control it.”

Doctor Habebee says: “Bp patients should avoid fatty foods and salt. The should not eat beef and mutton. Fish, chicken, and boiled foods are useful for Hbp patients. Olive and corn oils, garlic, fresh fruits, vegetables, and citrus are advised for Hbp patients.”