"Consumers need to be better informed about portion sizes, food content and labeling," added NHBPEP Coordinator Dr. Edward Roccella. "Training programs for health care providers also need to focus more on nutrition and other lifestyle issues related to blood pressure."

Established in 1972, the NHBPEP strives to reduce death and disability related to high blood pressure through programs of professional, patient, and public education. NHBPEP is a cooperative effort among professional and voluntary health agencies, state health departments, and community groups.

To learn more, visit the NHLBI Web site at www.nhlbi.nih.gov. Click on Special Web Pages and Interactive Applications, then High Blood Pressure for interactive quizzes and tools, such as a body mass index calculator; tips, recipes and real-life examples to help control blood pressure; and other educational materials for consumers and clinicians.

NHLBI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. NIH is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To interview Dr. Roccella, contact the NHLBI Communications Office at (301) 496-4236. To interview Drs. Whelton or He, contact Tulane University Health Sciences Center Office of Public Relations at (504) 588-5221.

Source: http://health.msn.com

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