Foods to Avoid for People With High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be a factor in heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. People with high blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure closely, exercise regularly, take any prescribed medications, and avoid certain foods.

Salt

• The number one food problem associated with high blood pressure is salt. Salt causes fluid retention and can significantly raise blood pressure. Salt also can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medicine.

Expert Insight

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the human body only needs about 500 mg of sodium per day, but the average American consumes over 6900 mg daily.

Identifying Salt-Heavy Foods

• People with high blood pressure should read labels to see where salt is hidden. Canned soups and vegetables, boxed and frozen dinners, and snack foods contain excessive sodium; fast food does as well.

Alcohol

• Drinking alcohol causes blood pressure to rise, and consuming more than three drinks daily can contribute to high blood pressure.

Fat and Cholesterol

• Anyone with high blood pressure also should avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol, which put more strain on the cardiovascular system and can lead to weight gain. These include fatty meats and high-fat dairy products, such as butter and whole milk.