Lower Pressure Blog

Everyone loves pizza, but what do you do if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet for health reasons? Do you skip pizza all together since most recipes are very high in sodium and all of the pizza you get for takeout or delivery is sodium laden? If you answered yes to that question, this Homemade Heart Healthy Pizza recipe will be life altering for you. Don’t ever skip your favorite food again, just make it yourself with this low sodium recipe that tastes way better than delivery!

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 4 8-oz cans no salt added tomato sauce
• 1 15-oz can no salt added diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb Seasoning
• 2 tbsp Mrs. Dash Tomato, Basil, Garlic Blend
• 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash Onion & Herb Seasoning
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ can light beer (optional, but it breaks down the acids in the tomato sauce)

For the Crust:

• 1.5 cups bread flour (or any flour with 0 sodium)
• 2 tbsp Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb
• 2 + 1 tbsp Olive Oil (you’ll need to separate them out)
• ½ cup water

Toppings for the Pizza:

• 1-2 cups blend of Mozzarella, Swiss, Monterrey Jack, Parmesan (all lower sodium cheeses)
• Toppings of choice – avoid pepperoni, ham, and other high-sodium foods. Instead use fresh vegetables, ground turkey, chicken, and fruits. This is where the sodium count comes in so be careful and read labels!

Directions:

For the Sauce:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, add wet ingredients and stir.

2. Add all spices, mix to blend thoroughly.

3. Simmer over low-medium heat for at least ½ an hour (the longer you simmer, the better the flavors will blend).

For the Crust:

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix your flour and seasoning.

2. Pour the water and 2 tbsp oil into the bowl and mix until dough consistency. If it’s a little too sticky, pour in a little more flour, and finish kneading.

3. Roll into a ball, pour the remaining tablespoon of oil over the ball, and place it in a covered bowl for about 5 minutes for the oil to work its way in.

4. Remove dough ball from the bowl, making sure the oil is thoroughly covering it, and form into a round crust on a tinfoil-covered pizza stone.

5. Crimp up the sides to form the crust to hold the toppings.

6. Before topping it, poke a few holes in the crust’s bottom, and cook on the middle rack of your oven on 425º for 5-6 minutes.

For the Pizza:

1. Spread desired amount of sauce on partially baked pizza crust.

2. Cover with cheese blend.

3. Add toppings of choice.

4. Bake at 425º for 15-20 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is a nice golden brown.

5. Slice, serve, enjoy your heart-healthy pizza.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

The term “ceviche” refers to both a technique and a dish that is native to Central and South America. Raw fish or shellfish are cooked (cured) without heat in acidic citrus juices and seasoned with various herbs and spices. There are so many different varieties of this recipe. From Mexican to Puerto Rican to Peruvian

No matter which recipe you want to try this dish is a hit with its succulent shrimp and variety of flavors. A definite gustatorial delight.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound raw shrimp, cut in 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 lemons, zest, and juice
• 2 limes, zest, and juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup diced tomato
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 cup black beans, cooked
• 1/4 cup diced serrano chili pepper and seeds removed
• 1 cup diced cucumber, peeled and seeded
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Directions

1. Place shrimp in a shallow pan and cover with juice from the lemon and lime, reserving the zest. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until shrimp is firm and white.

2. Mix remaining ingredients in separate bowl and set aside while shrimp is cold cooking. When ready to serve, mix shrimp and citrus juice with remaining ingredients. Serve with baked tortilla chips.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

One of the things I really enjoy is all types of vegetables. I know that now a days you can by vegetables year round from all over the world. But if you like eating organic and according to the season, then fall vegetables are my favorite. Today’s recipe includes succulent flank steak cook with vegetables. This is surely a nice heart healthy comfort food your family will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (1 pound) extra lean beef flank steak
• 4 garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 4 large carrots
• ½ pound parsnips
• 4 leeks

Instructions:

1. Trim all fat from measured amount of flank steak.

2. Peel and mice garlic; place in small bowl with Balsamic vinegar, measured amount of olive oil, and basil.

3. Wash and peel carrot; slice thinly. Wash and peel parsnips; slice thinly. Wash and slice leek.

4. Place a heavy piece of aluminum foil inside of a shallow oven-safe container, such as a Pyrex pan. Place meat on foil.

5. Stir together olive oil/vinegar/herb combination; spread evenly over flank steak.

6. Place vegetables on top of and around flank steak. Seal foil tightly around flank steak.

7. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes.

Nutritional Analysis:

Calories: 371

Calories From Fat: 126

Total Fat: 14 g

Cholesterol: 58.5 mg

Sodium: 141.6 mg

Protein: 27.1 g

Carbohydrates: 34.4 g

Fiber: 5.1 g

Calcium: 125.4 mg

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

Cooking with grape leaves has a unique flavor all to its own. In general I stuff mine with rice and vegetable. So to my surprise here is a delightful recipe wrapping salmon, a great heart healthy fish, in grape leaves. Enjoy this meal tonight with family and friends.

Ingredients: 

• 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets about 1 inch thick
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 12 large grape leaves (packed in brine) drained, rinsed, and patted dry with paper towels
• olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle salmon fillets evenly with salt and pepper; set aside

2. Snip off any protruding stems from grape leaves. Place 2 or 3 overlapping grape leaves on work surface. Place one salmon fillet, skin-side down, in center of leaves. Fold grape leaves up and over salmon, patting down gently to seal as much as possible. Brush leaves with olive oil to help seal edges. Repeat with remaining salmon and grape leaves.

3. Grill packets, covered with grill lid, over medium heat (300° to 350°) 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. (Grape leaves will be lightly charred.) Serve immediately with Tomato-Raisin Relish.

Preparing the Tomato-Raisin Relish

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup seeded and chopped plum tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Soak raisins in 1/2 cup hot water 10 minutes; drain.

2. Heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion, and saute 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add garlic, and saute 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, lemon rind, and lemon juice; cook 4 minutes.

3. Remove from heat, and stir in olives, raisins, and remaining ingredients.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

COVID-19 and Hypertension Lower Your Extra Risk

Hypertension may more than double the risk of hospitalization after infection with the omicron variant, even among individuals who are fully vaccinated and boosted, according to a new study published in Hypertension. For the study, researchers at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai analyzed EHRs for 912 people who were fully vaccinated and boosted and had been diagnosed with Covid-19 between Dec. 1, 2021, and April 20, 2022—during the first omicron surge. Overall, 145 patients were hospitalized, and of these patients, 125 had hypertension.

Studies have suggested that people with high blood pressure are more at risk of getting seriously ill with and dying of corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But some experts say that the people with high blood pressure who’ve gotten the sickest with COVID-19 were older and had other medical conditions, too. Diabetes, obesity and serious heart issues are examples.

Research into the link between high blood pressure and COVID-19 is ongoing. However, people with untreated high blood pressure seem to be more at risk of complications from COVID-19 than those whose high blood pressure is managed with medication. In fact, as you’ll see below, AHA says it’s almost tripling the risk.

So lowering your high blood pressure becomes more vital than ever. I know how scary it is as I have hypertension myself.

We have been told to practice social distancing, proper hand-washing, wearing a face-mask in public, and the like. Yet despite taking these precautions we still remain concerned about getting sick.

To keep you fully informed on the subject, enclosed below the American Heart Association’s latest statement on the subject.

The 4 key takeaways as I see them are:

• 1. Now more than ever keep your blood pressure low.
• 2. Keep a closer tab on your BP. Start using that home BP monitor of yours.
• 3. Do Not Stop your hypertension medications.
• 4. Beware of the OTC meds and natural substances that can increase your high blood pressure.

Let me add that if you are a RESPeRATE owner, feel free to increase your daily usage. As you already know, beyond lowering your blood pressure, it relieves anxiety, stress which plenty of studies say may weaken your immune system.

Because this is so important I have taken this directly from the American Heart Association

According To The Research Who Is At Risk?

Based on what we know today, elderly people with coronary heart disease or high blood pressure may be more susceptible to the corona-virus and more likely to develop more severe symptoms. That means it’s vital to follow guidance about keeping other conditions well controlled and maintaining good health and hygiene.

Data from the outbreak in Wuhan, China[ii], shows a 10.5% death rate among people with COVID-19 who also have cardiovascular disease, 7.3% for those with diabetes, 6.3% for those with respiratory disease, 6% for those with high blood pressure and 5.6% for those with cancer.

Could Hypertension Medication Make People With COVID-19 Sicker?

According to the latest guidance from the American Heart Association, Heart Failure Society of America and the American College of Cardiology, issued March 17,2020:
Do not stop taking prescribed angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medications for high blood pressure, heart failure or heart disease.

These medications don’t increase your risk of contracting COVID-19. They are vital to maintaining your blood pressure levels to reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and worsening heart disease.

If you’re a cardiovascular disease patient with COVID-19, your health care provider should evaluate you before adding or removing treatments. Changes should be based on the latest scientific evidence and shared decision-making.

What The Data Tells Us

So far, the data supporting the connection between blood pressure medications—specifically, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)—and COVID-19 are scant. Yet media coverage of the connection has led patients prescribed the drugs to call their doctors asking if they should stop taking them. In response, several medical associations—including the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of America, and the European Society of Cardiology—have issued guidelines saying patients should not stop taking the anti-hypertensive drugs because there’s no evidence to support the claim that they cause more-severe SARS-CoV-2 infections.

In support of that recommendation, Ankit Patel, a clinical and research fellow focusing on the kidneys at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and his Brigham colleague Ashish Verma dug into the literature to address the confusion and reported March 24 in JAMA that there’s no definitive evidence to suggest ACE inhibitors and ARBs increase the severity of COVID-19. Another team of doctors, writing in the March 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, came to the same conclusion.

Instead of making COVID-19 symptoms worse, some antihypertensive drugs may actually reduce the severity of infections, and could therefore be used to treat the disease, both sets of doctors say. A closer look at the underlying mechanisms of the medications has also buoyed another idea for how to treat COVID-19—give patients the enzyme ACE2 as a decoy to direct SARS-CoV-2 away from their cells. A biotech company developing such an approach using recombinant ACE2 received regulatory approval on (April 2) to start clinical trials on COVID-19 patients.

Over-The-Counter Medications.

Common pain medicines called NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen and ibuprofen) can increase your blood pressure. Decongestants are also known BP-raisers. People with heart concerns should limit or avoid them, especially if their blood pressure is uncontrolled. Drugs such as acetaminophen are less likely to increase blood pressure. People should ask their doctors about OTC medicines.

Some Prescription Medicines

If you are taking medication for mental health, corticosteroids, oral birth control, immunosuppressants and some cancer medications, you should monitor blood pressure to make sure it’s under control.

Alcohol and Caffeine

You should limit both, because too much can raise blood pressure. Caffeine should be capped at three cups per day in general, and most people with high blood pressure should avoid it.

Herbs and Food Combinations

“Natural” supplements and home remedies might not be safe. Some herbal supplements, such as licorice, can raise blood pressure.

Connecting with health care providers and pharmacists

Patients should ensure they have enough prescription medications to last for a prolonged period or see if they can get a larger supply than normal. Mail-order systems may be available for people who can’t or don’t want to leave home.

Medications should be taken exactly as prescribed. Decreasing or stopping them could raise blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with concerns should talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Emergencies Don’t Stop For COVID-19

High blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Certain heart and stroke symptoms require immediate medical intervention, and every second matters. Calling 9-1-1 at the first sign of heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest saves lives. Fast access to medical treatment is the No. 1 factor for surviving a cardiovascular event.

COVID-19 and Hypertension Lower Your Extra Risk

Having hypertension puts us at an extra risk. I have suffered from hypertension so I do not want it rebounding. I am ensuring that I am doing what is needed to lower my risk factor if not neutralize it. I am eating healthy meals, drinking plenty of water, ensuring to get proper sleep, and keeping my stress levels low. You and I have a big part to play in our health and the health of our loved ones. Let’s lower our high blood pressure risk together.

If you have high blood pressure, the most important step you can take is to manage it. Follow the treatment plan you’ve created with your doctor. Protecting yourself against the serious health issues that high blood pressure can cause is especially important with COVID-19.

You Can Reach Out

I know this is a lot of information to take in. So if you have any questions at [email protected]. You can also reach through “Live Chat” at www.resperate.com.

When you think of vegan dished maybe you think of Tofurkey. Not a very appealing thing to think of eating. But vegan dishes are so bland as that. In fact some of the most tastiest dishes I have enjoyed are vegan meals. Just because you love meat doesn’t mean you cannot try this amazing dish.

This dish is amazingly healthy and tasty. Now no one is asking you to become vegan but trying this dish may just wet your appetite for more of these tasty meals.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon oil divided
• 10 small corn tortillas cut into strips
• 1/2 large red onion diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small butternut squash peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 can black beans
• 1/2 cup corn frozen or canned
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 10 ounces enchiladas sauce
• 4 large kale leaves chopped small
• salt and pepper to taste
• a few springs of cilantro chopped
• 1 jalapeño diced
• 2 green onions diced
• 1 avocado

Instructions

1. In a large cast iron skillet heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add tortilla strips and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, until lightly crispy and browned. Transfer to a paper towel.

2. Add the remaining oil and sauté onions for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent and fragrant. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 more seconds.

3. Add the butternut squash, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir to coat then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until the squash is tender. About 5 minutes.

4. Add the black beans, corn, tomatoes, enchiladas sauce, and kale. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until kale is wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Stir in corn tortillas and bring to a simmer, simmering for about 10 minutes until the liquid has boiled down. Remove enchiladas from heat and let set up 10 additional minutes before serving.

6. Top with jalapeño, cilantro, and green onions.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Accuretic

The following information was provided by Pfizer and the FDA

Pfizer says it is voluntarily recovering some of its blood pressure drug products and two cheap generic versions of the drug because of the increased levels of impurities that can cause cancer increase.

Pfizer is voluntarily recalling Accuretic (quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide) tablets distributed by Pfizer as well as two authorized generics distributed by Greenstone (quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide and quinapril HCl/ hydrochlorothiazide) to the patient (consumer/user) level due to the presence of a nitrosamine, N-nitroso-quinapril, above the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level. Pfizer will recall six lots of Accuretic tablets, one lot of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and four lots of quinapril HCl/ hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

Nitrosamines are common in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time.

These products are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarction’s. The products have a safety profile that has been established over 20 years of marketing authorization and through a robust clinical program. To date, Pfizer is not aware of reports of adverse events that have been assessed to be related to this recall. Pfizer believes the benefit/risk profile of the products remains positive based on currently available data.

Although long- term ingestion of N-nitroso-quinapril may be associated with a potential increased cancer risk in humans, there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication. Patients currently taking the products should consult with their doctor about alternative treatment options.

The NDC, Lot Number, Expiration Date, and Configuration details for these products are indicated in the tables below and photos of the products can be found at the end of this press release. The product lots were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and Distributors in the United States and Puerto Rico from November 2019 to March 2022.

• Accuretic™ (quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide) tablets, 10/12.5 mg
• Accuretic™ (quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide) tablets, 20/12.5 mg
• Accuretic™ (quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide) tablets, 20/25 mg

Pfizer places the utmost emphasis on patient safety and product quality at every step in the manufacturing and supply chain process. Pfizer has notified direct consignees by letter to arrange for return of any recalled product.

Wholesalers and distributors with an existing inventory of the lots, listed in the table above, should stop use and distribution and quarantine the product immediately./p>

If you have further distributed the recalled product, please notify any accounts or additional locations which may have received the recalled product from you. Please conduct a sub-recall to those accounts and communicate this recall information immediately. Please request they immediately cease distribution of the affected product and promptly contact Sedgwick at 888-843-0247 (Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm ET) to obtain a Business Reply Card (BRC) to initiate the return process.

Patients who are taking this product should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacy to determine if they have the affected product. Patients with the affected product should contact Sedgwick at 888-843-0247 (Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm ET) for instructions on how to return their product and obtain reimbursement for their cost.

Healthcare Professionals with questions regarding this recall can contact Pfizer using the below information.

Pfizer Medical Information: 800-438-1985, press option 3 (Mon.- Fri. 8 am-9 pm ET)

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Complete and submit the report Online

Regular Mail or Fax: Download form

Or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800- FDA-0178

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

This week we want to bring you a heart healthy breakfast recipe. Whether you call them hot cakes, flap jacks or pancakes they are a wonderful breakfast treat. Top with fresh fruit or real organic maple syrup, this is a breakfast most folks can enjoy. I do advise to stay away from smearing them in butter. Although yes they taste good, it removes the heart healthy factor and increase caloric intake.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted pecans, chopped
• 2 large eggs, separated (for pancakes, see note)
• 1 ½ cup fat-free milk
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Fruit Topping:

2 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, stems removed, and cut in half

1 cup fresh blackberries, rinsed

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat waffle iron.

2. Combine flour, oats, baking powder, sugar, and pecans in a large bowl.

3. Combine egg yolks, milk, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl, and mix well.

4. Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir together. Do not over-mix; mixture should be a bit lumpy.

5. Whip egg whites to medium peaks. Gently fold egg whites into batter

6. Pour batter into preheated waffle iron, and cook until the waffle iron
light signals it’s done or steam stops coming out of the iron.

7. Add fresh fruit and light dusting of powdered sugar to each waffle, and serve.

Tip: For pancakes, do not separate eggs. Mix whole eggs with milk and oil, and eliminate steps 4 and 5.

Nutritional Analysis:

Each serving provides:

Calories: 340

Total Fat: 11 g

Saturated Fat: 2 g

Protein: 1 g

Carbohydrates: 50 g

Sodium: 331 mg

Added Sugars: 1.5 grams

Dietary fiber: 2 g

Cholesterol: 107 mg

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are

Want a new and delicious way to enjoy your vegetables? This vibrant bowl is packed with nutrients to keep you full for hours. Look for precooked lentils in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

This is a bowel of health for your body. It is one of my favorite dishes to eat when I want to pack my body with all sorts of goodness. Not only does it taste great ut your body will thank you as well!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup unsalted cashews
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup packed parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cooked lentils
• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup shredded red cabbage
• ¼ cup grated raw beet
• ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
• ¼ cup grated carrot
• ¼ cup sliced cucumber
• Toasted chopped cashews for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend cashews, water, parsley, lemon juice (or vinegar), oil, tamari (or soy sauce) and salt in a blender until smooth.

2. Place lentils and quinoa in the center of a shallow serving bowl. Top with cabbage, beet, pepper, carrot, and cucumber.

3. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cashew sauce over the top (save extra sauce for another use). Garnish with cashews, if desired.

Tip: People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use soy sauces that are labeled “gluten-free,” as soy sauce may contain wheat or other gluten-containing sweeteners and flavors.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are