It's known as the silent killer and we're talking about high blood pressure. In this HealthyU segment, one of our viewers wants to know if there's a diet out there that can help control high blood pressure.

And the answer is yes!

IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN DIET AND CONTROLLING HIGH BP?
YES. There is program called DASH that does just that.

WHAT EXCATLY IS THE DASH DIET?
1.It stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

2.It helps to maintain an adequate amount of minerals necessary for the blood vessel.

3.It recommends a person eating daily amount of Grains( 7 – 8 servings),fruits and vegetables (8 – 10 servings), low fat dairy (2-3 servings), and less than 2 servings of lean meats-baked broiled or grilled nuts(4 – 5 times a week).

WHY IS CONTROLLING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SO IMPORTANT?

1.High Blood Pressure known as the silent killer

2.No symptoms

3.Can damage organs that can cause disease:
Stroke
Kidney problems
Eye problems
Heart disease
a.Heart attack
b.Heart failure
c.Other circulatory conditions
1.Legs -Peripheral Artery Disease
2.Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

WHAT PUTS A PERSON AT RISK FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
Family history
Age-older than 60
Race-African Americans
Mental Stress
Overweight
Diet-high in fat or grease and salt
Little exercise
Large Alcohol intake

WHAT IS DONE TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS?
Diagnosed after 2 elevated readings.
Blood and urine tests are done to determine treatment.
Finger monitors are not accurate to make a diagnosis.
In most cases it requires more than one medication to lower BP.

ARE THERE ANY TIPS FOR TAKING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION?
Routine-same time each day-when you brush teeth or at breakfast.
Avoid making changes or stopping the medication unless you talk to your health care provider.
Keep them informed about other medications taken-- some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications raise the BP.
Plan ahead-get refills before they run out and before going out of town.

OTHER THAN MEDICATIONS WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE BP?
Make lifestyle changes
Reduce weight
Regular Aerobic Exercise- 30 minutes a day on most days
Limit daily intake of alcohol
1. Man –24 oz, 10 oz wine, 2 oz whiskey
2. Woman 12 oz, 5 oz wine, 1 oz liquor
a.Reduce salt intake to no more than 1 teaspoonful (2.4 g)
b.Follow the DASH diet

Be sure to join Liz and Jay every weekday for NBC Augusta Morning News at 11am.