Question

A 68-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and obesity had a myocardial infarction (MI) 3 months ago. His physician has placed him on a 2000-calorie low-salt diet, but the patient is struggling to be compliant with the dietary changes. He continues to manage his Italian restaurant; he loves to cook, sample the menu, and entertain his guests with huge portions. At his 3-month check, he has lost 2 lb. His blood pressure remains 148/90 mm Hg, and he has bilateral ankle edema. What methods of assistance would be helpful for this patient ?

Answer 1

The patient has a history of hypertension and obesity and presents with bilateral ankle edema which shows high sodium in diet. Foods with high salt content may elevate the blood pressure. It is recommended by the American heart association, that the people with hypertension should take not more than 1000 mg of sodium per day. Elevation of the blood pressure leads to decreased excretion by the kidneyskidneys, which leads to collection of fluid in the lower legs and abdomen. In this case, the patient presenting with bilateral ankle edema shows that his kidneys are affected by the increase in sodium diet. Hence he should be advised to lower the sodium intake and maintain his blood pressure by regular monitoring. It prevents the volume overload ,thereby maintaining blood pressure and avoiding swelling of ankles. It enhances the efficiency of the medications for hypertension. Thr patient should be advised to avoid restaurant prepared foods and processed foods which are high in sodium.