The Effect of Processed/Red Meat on Hypertension Short Paper 2: Evaluating Public Health Messages and the Art of Interpersonal Dissemination

Transcription

1 The Effect of Processed/Red Meat on Hypertension Short Paper 2: Evaluating Public Health Messages and the Art of Interpersonal Dissemination BBH 411W Devon Stobbe * The purpose of the writing is to fulfill course requirements for BBH 411W and to stand as a personal writing sample, but the findings should not be treated as generalizable research.

2 Abstract Recommended by the American Heart Association, limiting intake of red, processed meats and choosing leaner cuts will decrease an individual s risk of hypertension. Studies show that those who eat red meats have a 15% increased risk of being diagnosed with hypertension. A more plant-based diet, such as the DASH and Mediterranean diet, have shown to decrease rates of hypertension as well. Three different vignettes are shown to portray various interpersonal dissemination examples, including professional/client relationship, family relationship, and peer relationship. Introduction As hypertension is becoming increasingly popular in society today, so are the discoveries of causal links to the disease. Recent research in the medical field has given us many associations with hypertension, one of them being consuming high levels of red or processed meats. In an article titled How to Eat Healthy on the American Heart Association s website, it is recommended to limit intake of processed red meats and choose leaner cuts, in order to decrease the risk of hypertension (AHA, 2015). As evidence for this claim, a large prospective cohort study was done in order to see the effects of processed red meats in comparison to unprocessed red meats. The study followed 44,616 healthy French women and relied on self-report questionnaires in order to establish their dietary patterns. In terms of determining rate of intake of these different types of meat, unprocessed meats were defined as containing: beef, veal, pork, sheep and horse; while

3 processed meats were defined as: ham bacon, salami and sausage (Lajous et al., 2014). The women reported their frequency of intake, as well as many other aspects of their life. After other known risks of hypertension were controlled for, the study found an association between higher weekly intake levels of processed red meats and cases of hypertension (HR = 1.17). Meaning that women who consumed more than 5 servings of processed red meat had a 17% chance of getting hypertension than those who consumed less than 1 serving per week. There was no reported association between unprocessed red meat intake and hypertension (Lajous et al., 2014). In another cross-sectional study, a sample of 2024 Greek children ranging in ages from 10 to 12 years old were measured on rates of hypertension, as well as specific dietary and lifestyle patterns (Farajian et al., 2015). The findings concluded a higher association between frequency of processed red meat intake and high blood pressure, specifically a 15% increased likelihood of having high blood pressure (Farajian et al., 2015). In a systemic review of both the Mediterranean and DASH (The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diets, further evidence was found to support the idea that red meat exacerbates the risk of hypertension. These diets overlap in their aim to decrease intake of red meat and rely more on a plant-based diet (Stradling et al., 2014). In another systemic review article, the DASH diet was analyzed for its long-term implications on blood pressure health. Among other implications, it was found that a reduced intake of red meat counteracted the typical increase in blood pressure that comes with age (Miura and Nakagawa, 2005). When considering these reputable sources as forms of evidence for the claim the AHA is making regarding red processed meat and risk of hypertension, I would consider it a valid recommendation and approve of the message it is trying to send to the public.

4 Professional/Client Relationship As a Physician s Assistant in a cardiologist s office, I would see a lot of patients that have been referred to the office for hypertension, as well as those who have been maintaining their high blood pressure for years. For those who have just recently been diagnosed and referred to the office I work in, it would be important for me to stress the lifestyle behaviors that play a role in hypertension. On my chart I find a male patient named Louis. He is 56 years old and has been diagnosed with hypertension with a reading of 160/100 at his last doctor s appointment. After getting to know Louis, the dialogue continues: Louis: Since I m getting older, my job as a construction worker has been getting tough. Since my boss has been giving me some easier jobs that require less lifting, I haven t been as active. I ve put on some weight. Me: How much weight? Louis: About 15 pounds in the last 3 months. Me: Tell me a little bit about your diet, Louis. Louis: I m a big meat eater, my wife always incorporates it into my packed lunches and each night s dinner. Hamburgers, meatloaf, some sausage with breakfast those are my kind of meals! Me: A lot of recent studies have found an association between red, processed meats and hypertension. Instead of jumping on medication, how about we try some alterations to your diet and go from there? After giving Louis some healthy ideas for new meals that contain less red meat, he leaves the office. At his follow-up appointment 1 month later, Louis has a healthier BP of 140/90. Family Relationship My mom has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. She has put on some weight recently, and is always really stressed about her job. She s also lost the motivation she used to have for going to the gym after work each day. Her health worries me, and now that she has

5 been prescribed 2 blood pressure medications and an antidiuretic, I want to make her aware of all the things she can do for herself behaviorally to decrease her blood pressure. Me: So when s your next doctor s appointment? Mom: Not for another month. Me: I really don t like that you have to take so many medications, they aren t good for you. Mom: I know sweetheart I wish I didn t have to take them either! Me: Did your doctor talk about the lifestyle changes you can make yourself in order to decrease your BP more naturally? Mom: No. Like what? Me: Start with your diet and go from there. Try eliminating the red/processed meats from your diet and fill it with more lean meats and vegetables. You know all those studies I m always reading for classes? I just read one on a group of women around your age who had a 17% greater chance of getting hypertension when they ate more than 5 servings of red meat a week. Mom: Wow, that s interesting. Me: I know changing diet is hard, but after you start fueling better, you ll have more energy to get back into the gym! Once you change your diet and exercise, your blood pressure will decrease, maybe even low enough to get you off those meds! Peer Relationship My friend Rachel and I always go to a few fitness classes at the White Building each week and then get dinner. One of our favorites is Full Body Workout, where we always wake up sore the next day. Recently, Rachel hasn t been able to keep up in class, and she seems much more tired than usual. For dinner she has been suggesting unhealthy places, such as McDonald s and Chipotle. Remembering all the evidence supporting the AHA s claim about red, processed meats, I decide to share with my friend while in line at Chipotle: Rachel: Hmm what should I get? The usual? Me: Let s get salads with chicken tonight. I just read this article on how bad red/processed meat is for you. This one study done on 10 to 12 year olds showed a 15% increased chance of having high BP if they ate more processed meat. 10 to 12 years old! Isn t that crazy? Rachel: Wow that is crazy. Maybe I should get a salad Luckily, Rachel is easily influenced. We both get the healthier choice and continue our dinner talking about all the other BBH-related topics she is curious about.

6 References Farajian, Paul, Demosthenes Panagiotakos, and Grigoris Risvas. "Dietary and Lifestyle Patterns in Relation to High Blood Pressure in Children: The GRECO Study." Journal of Hypertension (2015): Jan Web. 01 Mar Link. "How to Eat Healthy." How to Eat Healthy. American Heart Association, 15 May Web. 01 Mar < Healthy_UCM_307257_Article.jsp#.VtXJmLzgQ7Y>. Lajous, Martin, Anne Bijon, and Guy Fagherazzi. "Processed and Unprocessed Red Meat Consumption and Hypertension in Women." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2014): PubMed. 30 July Web. 01 Mar < Miura, Katsuyuki, and Hideaki Nakagawa. "Can Dietary Changes Reduce Blood Pressure in the Long Term?" Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension (2005): May Web. 01 Mar Link Stradling, Clare, Mash Hamid, Shahrad Taheri, and Neil Thomas. "A Review of Dietary Influences on Cardiovascular Health: Part 2: Dietary Patterns." Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders (2014): PubMed. 27 June Web. 01 Mar <