Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the recommended dietary approach for managing hypertension?

1. Increased saturated fat intake

2. High fiber and potassium-rich foods

3. Sodium restriction

4. Increase in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption

The correct answer is: Sodium restriction

Managing hypertension effectively often involves dietary changes that can help lower blood pressure. One widely recommended approach is sodium restriction. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure levels, as it can cause the body to retain water, leading to increased blood volume and pressure on blood vessel walls. Therefore, reducing sodium intake can help to lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. In addition to sodium restriction, other dietary modifications can support hypertension management, such as following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, which is often encapsulated in the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. This approach emphasizes the importance of potassium-rich foods that help balance sodium levels in the body and may further assist in blood pressure regulation. However, the key focus of the question is on sodium restriction as a primary dietary strategy for controlling hypertension. The other options, like increasing saturated fat intake and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, are contrary to healthy dietary recommendations and could potentially exacerbate hypertension and lead to weight gain and other cardiovascular issues. High fiber intake is beneficial, but without the specific focus on sodium, it does not address the question as directly.