Diet and Exercise to Control HTN, Capstone Project Example

African Americans have higher chances of developing hypertension as compared to the white Americans which has been document to be in the range of 50 – 100 % based on data from surveys (Kendler, 2006). Available data also indicates that the age at which the African Americans develop cases of hypertension is much earlier as compared to the White Americans. They are also exposed to a much difficult situation in trying to control the situation and the death rates resulting from the complication is much higher (Kendler, 2006).

The use of medications among the African Americans to treat the condition is not one of the best solutions. This is attributed from the fact majority of the victims have expressed deep concerns to the side effects that are associated with their use. During the treatment of hypertension the goal is towards reducing serious complications such as heart diseases along with stroke, which is achieved through controlling the level of blood pressure.

Among the African Americans, it is recommended that DASH approach (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), be given a priority. In this case, the recommended types of foods include fruits, whole grain, vegetables and dairy products that have a low fat content. These clases of foods are also recommended for the  African Americans at a higher risk of developing hypertension (Lane,  Magno,  Lane, Chan,  Hoyt & Greenfield, 2008).

Another amicable solution has been the use of physical activity. Sedentary individuals have a higher risk exposure to developing hypertension. Active involvement in physical activities gas been proven to reduce the chances for hypertension by a percentage of 35 to 70 (Lane,  Magno,  Lane, Chan,  Hoyt & Greenfield, 2008). It is therefore recommended among the African Americans to take moderate exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes on a daily on. The simplest of the exercises is walking.

References

Kendler, B.S. (2006). “Supplemental conditionally essential nutrients in the cardiovascular disease therapy”. J Cardiovasc Nurs.; 21(1):9-16.

Lane, J.S., Magno, C.P., Lane, K.T., Chan, T., Hoyt, D.B. & Greenfield, S., (2008). “Nutrition impacts on the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in US”. J Vasc Surg. Jun 27.