What type of diet would be recommended for a patient with hypertension?

The recommended diet for a patient with hypertension is a low-sodium diet. This is because sodium plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure. When sodium levels are high, it can lead to an increase in water retention, which in turn increases the volume of blood in the bloodstream, causing elevated blood pressure. By reducing sodium intake, individuals with hypertension can help decrease blood pressure levels.

A low-sodium diet typically emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, which often contain high levels of sodium. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a specific dietary plan often recommended and focuses on reducing sodium as a key component to managing blood pressure effectively.

While other diets such as low-fat, high-protein, or high-carbohydrate can have their benefits for various health issues, they do not specifically address the primary concern of managing blood pressure as effectively as a low-sodium diet does. Therefore, adopting a low-sodium diet is critical for controlling hypertension and promoting overall cardiovascular health.