High blood pressure: In cars, fuel pumps use pressure to pull or push fuel into the carburetor through the fuel line. In us, blood is pumped from our heart through blood vessels. If the fuel line is constricted, your fuel pump won’t be able to keep your body moving. Clogged arteries constrict blood flow, leading to the buildup of pressure on the vessel wall.
High blood pressure increases your risk of stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. Some risk factors, such as race, heredity and age, can’t be controlled. Other risk factors include stress, lack of physical activity, eating too much salt, drinking too much alcohol and obesity.
One in three adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, many don’t even know it.
Know your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, you should talk with your health-care provider about the steps needed to safely lower your numbers. Eating less saturated fat, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and adding foods high in potassium to your diet may help manage your blood pressure.
Fruits and vegetables are low in sodium, and many contain the potassium needed to maintain your blood pressure. When you’re grocery shopping, be sure to pick fruits and vegetables such as these:
- Apples
- Cantaloupe
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Bananas
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Grapefruit
- Corn on the cob
- Apricots
- Honeydew melon
- Broccoli
- Squash
- Nectarines
- Brussels sprouts
- Potatoes
- Watermelon
- Prunes
- Peppers
- Raisins