Dairy's Role in Managing Blood Pressure

The lifetime risk of dying of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is nearly one in three for women, which exceeds the number of CVD deaths in men, and hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In 2007, the American Heart Association updated their Guidelines for CVD prevention. Along with guidance on aspirin and hormone replacement therapy, a major part of the recommendations focused on lifestyle changes to help manage blood pressure including weight control, increased physical activity, alcohol moderation, sodium restriction, and an emphasis on eating fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. In fact, the authors noted that nearly all women are at risk for heart disease, underscoring the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle for all women.

What role do dairy foods play in managing blood pressure?

Research shows the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, a balanced eating plan that includes two to three servings of dairy foods and eight to ten servings of fruits and vegetables, may help lower blood pressure.

How might dairy foods help reduce the risk of hypertension?

A trio of minerals – calcium, potassium and magnesium – all found in dairy foods may play an important role in maintaining blood pressure. The DASH diet is rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium containing about two to three times the amounts most Americans get. A research review concluded that increasing dietary calcium intakes may help reduce high blood pressure.

Dairy foods are a good source of potassium in the American diet. Why is potassium important?

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