Nutritionist for high cholesterol or hypertension

Get advice from a specialist

What is high cholesterol and blood pressure?

Cholesterol is a type of fat present in the blood produced by the liver and assimilated from diet sources, essential for healthy cell membranes and hormone synthesis. While essential, high levels can be detrimental for cardiovascular health as they can deposit into blood vessels inhibiting the blood flow or can detach creating clots. The NHS states that optimal total cholesterol levels should be 5 mmol/L.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the blood vessels have constant raised pressure. Around 1/3 of adults in the UK have hypertension, usually recorded as 140/90mmHg or higher. If blood pressure is high, it puts extra pressure on your blood vessels, heart, and other organs, such as the kidneys, brain, and eyes.

Why is it important to have healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure?

Preserving cardiovascular health is important to prevent severe or potentially fatal complications such as atherosclerosis, blood vessel damage, heart attacks and strokes. Compromised cardiovascular health can be debilitating, inhibiting the individual’s capacity to exercise or to perform daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs. High cholesterol levels can also be damaging for the liver, leading to no-alcoholic fatty liver disease and compromised function.

How does nutrition affect cholesterol levels and blood pressure?

Although genetics might play a part in raised cholesterol levels, diet is the biggest factor that can lead to raised cholesterol. The liver is responsible for production and clearance of cholesterol keeping levels balanced, but this balance can be unsettled if the diet contains too many saturated fats which the liver will struggle to process.

Insulin resistance is also associated with increased cholesterol production and reduced clearance, stressing the importance of preventing such condition via a balanced diet with plenty of fiber, wholegrains and reduced refined sugars.

High blood pressure can be caused by elevated cholesterol, or altered regulation of body fluids caused by excessive sodium chloride (salt) intake. In this case reducing table salt intake and increasing green leafy vegetables containing magnesium can be a winning strategy.

How can I successfully manage my cholesterol and blood pressure?

Different dietary models can be suggested, from Mediterranean to DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. Both feature plenty of fiber and vegetables, wholegrains, oily fish and antioxidants.

Research shows the importance of omega 3 fatty acids (oily fish is one of the main sources) to regulate unbalanced cholesterol levels and support blood vessels structure. Antioxidants such as resveratrol, found in the skin of red grapes, blueberries, cranberries and some nuts can also be protective and supportive for cardiovascular health.

While there is plenty of evidence for single nutrients action on the cardiovascular system, only a registered nutritionist is able to see the bigger picture and create a personalised plan for each patient, also taking into account any possible interaction between food and possible drug therapy hypertensive or high cholesterol patients might be taking.

Why use an Odhealth nutritionist for high cholesterol or blood pressure?

Monitor your symptoms

You and your nutritionist will establish what success looks like for you and set the metrics that you want to track. Together you’ll track your progress and constantly develop your plan to maximise your results.

Food fit for you

All recommendations are tailored to your tastes and dietary requirements. You will use a food diary to track your habits and inform your nutritionist of your likes and dislikes.

Your own specialist

Upon booking we’ll ask you specific questions to help us match you to the perfect specialist for you. You will be assigned a dedicated account manager who will manage the whole process and provide support throughout your journey.

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