HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Diet For A High Cholesterol And High Blood Pressure Patient

my dad recently found out that he had very high cholesterol and high blood pressure . he started eating healthy for like a week and today he ate popcorn and other random junk food. im so afraid for his health and he s so sensitive when someone points out that he is not eating right...what should i do? i can t make him eat healthy but i fear for his health soooo much. i don t want him to have a heart attack and die.
Thu, 17 Dec 2009
Report Abuse
  User's Response
's  Response
I largely agree with the advice of all these other answers. I would add that the BP seems to be the biggest issue. Focus on that, and the cholesterol will probably come down as well, just due to some of the dietary improvements. But the big risk reduction for heart disease comes from lowering BP. I think one of the reasons that those with high BP feel somewhat helpless to do anything about it is that they don't have good forms of feedback. See if you can get your father an automated blood pressure cuff so that he can take his BP on a regular basis. They are very reasonable in price ($40-50) and easy to use. That way, he can see what works and what doesn't. Start reading the labels of foods around your house and talk about it with him in a helpful way. Make a game out of reducing sodium intake and try to get him to eat high potassium fruits (bananas, oranges, etc.) A little low-sodium popcorn would probably help, as well.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Myocardial infarction


Loading Online Doctors....
Diet For A High Cholesterol And High Blood Pressure Patient

I largely agree with the advice of all these other answers. I would add that the BP seems to be the biggest issue. Focus on that, and the cholesterol will probably come down as well, just due to some of the dietary improvements. But the big risk reduction for heart disease comes from lowering BP. I think one of the reasons that those with high BP feel somewhat helpless to do anything about it is that they don t have good forms of feedback. See if you can get your father an automated blood pressure cuff so that he can take his BP on a regular basis. They are very reasonable in price ($40-50) and easy to use. That way, he can see what works and what doesn t. Start reading the labels of foods around your house and talk about it with him in a helpful way. Make a game out of reducing sodium intake and try to get him to eat high potassium fruits (bananas, oranges, etc.) A little low-sodium popcorn would probably help, as well.