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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common preventable risk factor for heart disease, affecting over 1 billion people globally. It’s defined as having a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130 mm Hg or higher, a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) above 80 mm Hg, or both. Lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments, can help lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk. Medications like ACE inhibitors are often prescribed for this purpose. Incorporating certain nutrient-rich foods, particularly those high in potassium and magnesium, may also help control blood pressure.

1. Citrus Fruits
   Loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, and lemons can help maintain heart health. A 2021 study found that consuming 530-600 grams of fruit daily (about four oranges) benefits blood pressure. However, grapefruit can interact with certain medications, so consult your doctor before adding it to your diet.
2. Salmon and Fatty Fish
   Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known to reduce inflammation and blood pressure. A 2022 review of 71 studies indicated that consuming 2-3 grams of omega-3s daily (about 3.5 ounces of salmon) can significantly lower blood pressure. Higher omega-3 intake also benefits young adults without heart disease or diabetes history.
3. Leafy Greens
   Leafy greens like Swiss chard and spinach provide potassium and magnesium, essential for blood pressure regulation. For example, one cup of cooked Swiss chard offers about 20% and 36% of daily
   potassium and magnesium needs, respectively. Studies show that higher potassium intake can lower blood pressure, especially when dietary sodium is high.
4. Nuts and Seeds
   Nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, chia seeds, pistachios, walnuts, and almonds, are nutrient-dense sources of fiber and arginine. These nutrients support blood vessel relaxation and help reduce blood pressure. However, evidence from clinical studies remains mixed, and longer-term research is needed.
5. Legumes
   Rich in magnesium and potassium, legumes like lentils, beans, and peas have shown potential for lowering blood pressure in observational studies. However, a 2023 review of clinical trials found no consistent link, suggesting more extensive and longer studies are needed.
6. Berries
   Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries, are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. A 2020 review found that berry consumption lowered SBP by more than 3 mm Hg, with cranberry juice showing the most substantial effect.
7. Amaranth
   Whole grains, including amaranth, may lower blood pressure. A 38-gram daily increase in whole grains can reduce the risk of hypertension by 8%. Amaranth is particularly rich in magnesium, providing 38% of daily needs in one cooked cup.
8. Olive Oil
   Olive oil contains heart-healthy compounds like oleic acid and polyphenols. A 2020 review confirmed its role in reducing blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors.
9. Carrots
   Carrots are rich in plant compounds that help regulate blood pressure. A 2023 study found a 10% lower hypertension risk for every 100 grams (about 1 cup) consumed daily.
10. Eggs
    Eggs are nutrient-dense and linked to better blood pressure management. A 2023 study found that eating five or more eggs per week was associated with lower SBP and a reduced long-term risk of hypertension.
11. Tomatoes
    Tomatoes and tomato products contain potassium and lycopene, which support heart health. Some studies show a link between tomato consumption and lower blood pressure, but results are inconsistent.
12. Broccoli
    Rich in flavonoid antioxidants, broccoli may help lower blood pressure by improving blood vessel function. Studies suggest that consuming broccoli four times a week reduces hypertension risk.
13. Yogurt
    Packed with potassium and calcium, yogurt supports blood pressure regulation. A review linked three daily servings of dairy with a 13% lower risk of hypertension. Daily yogurt consumption may reduce SBP in people with high blood pressure.
14. Herbs and Spices
    Herbs and spices like garlic, cilantro, and saffron may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. A 2021 study found that daily intake of a spice blend reduced blood pressure after four weeks.
15. Potatoes
    Potatoes are high in potassium, which helps manage blood pressure. A medium baked potato provides 20% of the daily potassium requirement. Studies show that potassium-rich diets, including potatoes, lower SBP.
16. Kiwifruit
    Kiwis are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients involved in blood pressure control. In a 2022 study, eating two kiwis daily for seven weeks reduced SBP by 2.7 mm Hg. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
17. Lean Meats
    Lean meats like skinless chicken, beef sirloin, and pork tenderloin provide high-quality protein. Research suggests that varying protein sources, including lean meats, can reduce hypertension risk when part of a balanced diet.

• References:
• Rd, J. K. M. (2023, June 20). The 17 best foods for high blood Pressure. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-blood-pressure#citrus
• https://www.freepik.com (for images)

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term lung disease, that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

Caring for patients with respiratory problems is a challenge for the nurse, especially since there are many needs that the nurse must prioritize. Patients with asthma are part of the group of patients in which the nurse must ensure that in addition to meeting the patient’s needs for air and efficient gas exchange, there is a need to meet the physiological and psychological needs of society. However, before prioritizing which nursing problem the patient should address first, the nurse should be familiar with the course of the disease and how it affects the patient in general.

Asthma or bronchial asthma is a chronic airway disease that is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a stimulus. This response leads to inflammation of the airways, bronchoconstriction, and the production of strong, thick sputum. All of this indicates that the airway is narrowing, causing wheezing to be heard among asthma patients. Patients also experience shortness of breath, unproductive cough, opening of the nostrils, and intolerance to activity.

Because asthma is a stressful and / or inflammatory reaction to a stimulus, seizures are usually accompanied by stimuli such as extreme temperatures (extreme heat or extreme cold), sudden changes in temperature, dust, pollen, smoke, exercise, emotions, Or pressure. In some cases, seizures can begin when patients are diagnosed with another type of respiratory illness or experience complications from other illnesses. The symptoms are almost always the same, regardless of the stimuli.

Manage Asthma attacks

A medication regimen is usually prescribed when the disease worsens. The type of medication given to patients depends on the symptoms presented, the priority of care, and the age of the individual. These are also compared to the results of other tests performed on the patient.

Due to the chronic nature of the disease, patients with asthma are also provided with health education to help them take responsibility for their condition and reduce the risk of exacerbation. Common non-pharmacological interventions such as deep breathing and coughing exercises, relaxation and meditation therapy, and ensuring that the patient receives proper nutrition should also be considered. In addition, allowing the patient to know exactly what triggers their seizures helps them to avoid these seizures and reduce the incidence of asthma.

Asthma Nursing Care Program

Patients with asthma mainly suffer from respiratory symptoms and the nurse should eliminate these symptoms as soon as they are identified. Nursing diagnoses for patients with asthma focus primarily on airway clearance, breathing patterns, and gas exchange, but also include other issues related to endurance, anxiety, and even nutritional status. This section presents some of the most common nursing diagnoses and their care plans to help better care for patients with asthma. The following nursing diagnoses are more common among patients with asthma:

• Inefficient airway clearance

Dysfunctional breathing patterns

• Disruption of gas exchange

• Intolerance of activity

• Anxiety

• Lack of knowledge

• Risk for / nutritional imbalance: more / less than the body needs

Ineffective airway clearance 

Ineffective airway clearance related to (indicate one or more of the following related factors: airway spasm, production of thick tenacious sputum, retention of sputum, etc.) secondary to the diagnosis of asthma as evidenced by (include assessment findings specific to which particular symptoms the patient is manifesting such as:

• Wheezes and rhonchi heard upon auscultation
• Coughing (indicate whether productive or unproductive)
• Dyspnea
• Orthopnea
• Changes in rate, depth, and rhythm of respiration

Desired Outcomes

After nursing interventions, the patient is expected to:

• Exhibit easy, effortless breathing
• Decreased severity and incidence of wheezing
• Increased airway patency

Ineffective/impaired breathing patterns

Ineffective/impaired breathing patterns related to (indicate one or more of the following related factors: spasms of the bronchial tubes, swelling of the bronchial tubes, irritating biological agents, etc.) secondary to diagnosis of asthma as evidenced by (include assessment findings specific to which particular symptoms the patient is manifesting such as:

• Patient complaints of dyspnea, primarily upon exertion
• Coughing (indicate whether productive or unproductive)
• Flaring of the nares
• Changes in respiratory rate, depth and rhythm
• Use of accessory muscles in respiration

Desired Outcomes

After nursing interventions, the patient is expected to:

• Exhibit easy, effortless breathing
• Improved breathing pattern
• Reports of the absence of dyspnea

Activity Intolerance

Activity intolerance related to insufficient physiologic energy secondary to diagnosis of asthma as evidenced by (include assessment findings specific to which particular symptoms the patient is manifesting such as:

• Patient verbalization of weakness and shortness of breath
• Hesitation in engaging in physical activities
• Alterations in vital signs: increased heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure
• Dyspnea upon exertion
• Changes in ECG readings

Desired Outcomes

After nursing interventions, the patient is expected to:

• Exhibit easy, effortless breathing
• Display willingness to perform activities of daily living
• Increased activity tolerance