The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents an average of 70 million adults as having high blood pressure (BP). This value accounts for 1 in every 3 adult with BP readings higher than normal. The CDC also shares the dangers of high blood pressure stating, “More than 360,000 American deaths in 2013 included high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause. That is almost 1,000 deaths each day.

“Hi Tom”, said the nurse from a distance; “Is this a good time to take your blood pressure?” Tom cradled his arm around his chest, however the curiosity left him with only one possible response- “Sure”! Alarmed by his results, Tom firmly requested a retake of his blood pressure! After the second, third, and yes- fourth reading, Tom’s blood pressure still averaged at 150/90 mm hg. The Physician advised him to keep record of his daily sodium intake, along with adhering to a low-sodium diet. More often than not, high blood pressure is influenced by lifestyle and food choices, particularly foods containing high sodium content. The MayoClinic comments further regarding sodium intake citing; "The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg a day — or 1,500 mg if you're age 51 or older, or if you are black, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease."