Hypertension, menopause and natural antioxidants in foods and diet

Book contents Chapter contents Worldwide, hypertension (HTN) is the most important cardiovascular risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction and heart failure. The issue of HTN, menopause and antioxidants in foods and diet is going to open a new scenario in the treatment of the most prevalent risk factor in postmenopausal women. HTN, in fact, in this particular phase of life, is due to an increase in body mass index and a deficiency of estrogen, which induces endothelial dysfunction and an increase in oxidative stress. The term ‘antioxidant’ refers to enzymatic and non-enzymatic complexes that prevent or inhibit oxidation of biomolecules. The main non-enzymatic antioxidants are biologic compounds found mainly in vegetables and fruits. Pharmacologic therapy is very important, but it should be the second or the alternative choice after modification of lifestyle. In this context, antioxidants and diet my help in weight control as well as in the natural substitution of estrogen’s properties.