Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Extension
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1571
Healthy Heart Beats
April-June 2008
Vol 30, Issue 2
PDF Version
Go to Table of Contents for this issue
Healthy Heart Program Updates
In this Issue
This issue of Health Heart Beats notes some new research concerning high blood pressure. There are also new guidelines from AHA for treating patients with resistant hypertension that defies treatment. Incorporating lifestyle changes and the DASH diet are key approaches to address this major concern. Diuretics are also a drug that should be included with any medication. For the first time, the American Heart Association has issued guidelines to help patients and healthcare providers tackle resistant high blood pressure that seems to defy treatment. Hypertension is called resistant if a person's blood pressure remains above goal despite taking three medications to lower it. High blood pressure that is under control, but requires four or more medications to treat, is also considered resistant to treatment.
The guidelines are published online in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association. This is the first consensus statement to define resistant hypertension and recommend an approach for evaluation and treatment.
"Patients need to recognize the importance of blood pressure control and that in most cases they will need a combined approach of lifestyle changes and medication for effective treatment," said David A. Calhoun, M.D., chair of the guideline writing committee. "Doctors must recognize that resistant hypertension requires special consideration in terms of evaluation and treatment." For a full news release, go to: http://americanheart.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=388.
Remember to use the CSU Extension Fact sheets on the DASH diet and the ones on hypertension control.
Springtime is also the time when lifestyle changes that include more activity are easier - gardening is a great activity, and the blossoms make walking a very pleasant activity. With higher food prices the meal planning section will be a good reference for you and your clients as you teach the shopping basics.
I also want to recommend attending the annual Lillian Fountain Smith Conference held this year at the Marriott Hotel in Fort Collins on June 12 and 13, 2008. Go to: http://www.fshn.cahs.colostate.edu/LFSC/index.asp.
This is the 30th year we have been offering this conference that always endeavors to address very current and key issues in nutrition. This year promises to be another excellent conference with cancer, obesity and organic foods the topics of the sessions. Come and join us!
Taking charge of your heart and your health means incorporating lifestyle changes you can live with and enjoy each day. Enjoy eating and activities in the warmer months of spring and summer. Use your grill to eat low-fat, quick and simple meals that follow the guidelines we address in these newsletters. Pile the veggies on the grill too and eat the DASH way!
We look forward to seeing you next month at the Lillian Fountain Smith on conference.
Jennifer Anderson, Ph.D., R.D.
Food and Nutrition Extension Specialist
Shirley Perryman, M.S., R.D.
Extension Specialist
Go to Table of Contents for this issue
Go to top of this page.
