Researchers in the largest high-blood-pressure clinical trial ever conducted are launching a comprehensive outreach program to improve blood pressure control nationwide. The new, three-year educational effort follows the landmark Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT), which compared the effects of four major classes of medications to treat high blood pressure.

An estimated 65 million American adults—nearly one in three—have high blood pressure. But for more than two thirds of them, blood pressure remains out of control. ALLHAT researchers reported in 2002 that overall, diuretics are more beneficial than calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or alpha blockers as initial treatment to lower blood pressure and to protect against adverse effects of the disease. In the past 20 years, prescriptions for newer medications began replacing diuretics, which reduce the amount of fluid in the body by helping the kidneys flush excess water and salt from the body.

Cocoa Intake Linked to Lower Blood Pressure
In a study published in the February 27 Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers found that drinking cocoa is associated with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of death.

Cocoa has been linked to cardiovascular health benefits since at least the 18th century, but researchers are just beginning to collect scientific evidence for these claims. Cocoa contains certain chemicals called flavan-3-ols, which have previously been linked to lower blood pressure and improved function of cells that line blood vessels.

First launched in 1985 and conducted in the Netherlands, the study examined cocoa's relationship to cardiovascular health. Researchers found that men who consumed cocoa regularly had significantly lower blood pressure. Men in the group with the highest cocoa consumption were half as likely as the others to die from cardiovascular disease.

DASH to Combat Hypertension
In trying to lower or prevent high blood pressure, don't forget the DASH diet, which offers a step-by-step guide to meal planning and reducing the amount of sodium in the daily diet. The DASH eating plan provides delicious, low-salt alternatives to conventional high-fat high-sodium recipes. But don't take our word for it. Try the nutritious recipe below!

BREAKFAST BURRITO
(Makes 4 servings)

• 1 1⁄3 cups cooked Black Beans, mashed with 1 teaspoon no-added-salt canola oil (or 1 1⁄3 cups canned vegetarian re-fried beans)
• 4 corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup low-sodium salsa
• 4 tablespoons plain, nonfat yogurt
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Mix beans with onion and tomatoes. Microwave tortillas between two sheets of damp white paper towels on high for 15 seconds. Divide bean mixture between tortillas. Fold each tortilla to enclose filling. Place on microwave-safe dish and spoon salsa over each burrito. Microwave on high 15 seconds. Served topped with yogurt and cilantro.

Per Serving: 1 burrito
• Calories: 165
• Carbohydrate: 30 gm
• Cholesterol: 1 mg
• Protein: 8 gm
• Sodium: 82 mg
• Fat: 2 gm
• Fiber: 7 gm
• Diabetic exchange: 2 starch/bread + 2 lean meat + 1 fruit

Tomato Extract and Heart Health
A study published in February shows that taking the LycoMato capsules, made up of whole tomato extract, may help manage mild hypertension. Data from the preliminary trial show that average systolic blood pressure readings dropped from 144 to 134 mm Hg after treatment with one 250 mg capsule daily for eight weeks. Participants were healthy and not taking prescription drugs to lower blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Tomato extract contains lycopene, beta carotene, and vitamin E. Each capsule has the antioxidant content of about four tomatoes.