Blood pressure with nitrate exposure: back-to-basics with fresh fruits and vegetables

Abstract

Much as the advancements are changing modern medicine, systemic hypertension still remains the largest attributable risk factor for mortality worldwide.1 Each 2 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure (BP) increases mortality due to ischemic heart disease and stroke by 7% and 10%, respectively.2 Despite cheap and highly effective pharmacological treatment available, only about half of hypertensives are treated and among those, effective BP control is achieved in only about half.3 Clearly, novel population-based approaches are needed, and more evidence point to go back-to-basics: to reimagine healthy habits, mainly diet