Letters: Dec. 27, 2004

Your report on high blood pressure is both a timely and critical message for every American [Dec. 6]. In your article, you remarked on the role that nitric oxide plays in relaxing blood vessels. When I shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998 for my research on the role of nitric oxide in cardiovascular health, I knew we had only begun to understand the importance of this unique molecule. Nitric oxide is critically important in reducing blood pressure and promoting total cardiovascular health. I am convinced by my ongoing research that reduced levels of nitric oxide production in the body are directly related to the progression of cardiovascular-disease symptoms, especially high blood pressure. By acting as the sole signaling molecule for blood-vessel relaxation, nitric oxide is central to blood- pressure regulation. Such observations have been made in laboratory research. The natural production of nitric oxide in the body can be supported by supplementing the diet with the amino acid l-arginine in combination with antioxidant nutrients and by engaging in a moderate exercise program.

LOUIS J. IGNARRO, PH.D. CENTER FOR VASCULAR BIOLOGY DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT UCLA Los Angeles

The emphasis on the risks of high blood pressure couldn't have been more timely. And the image of an African-American male on the cover, along with statistics showing the increased risk faced by blacks, couldn't be more appropriate. Although I am a physically fit black man, I still must resort to exercise, medication and dietary changes to battle hypertension. Yet there is a growing debate in medical circles about the ethics of race-based medical research. I only wish my younger brother Rodney were here to participate in the argument. He was in great shape, lifted weights, had nearly zero body fat and lived a healthy lifestyle with his family. Rodney went to bed a few weeks ago, feeling as if he simply had the flu. He died in his sleep. An autopsy showed no signs of long-term heart failure, no evidence of diabetes, no illegal drugs. The cause of death: hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Rodney was 39.

LES TRENT, SENIOR CORRESPONDENT INSIDE EDITION New York City

Am I the only one who has noticed that it's practically impossible to find no-salt (or truly low-salt) foods in grocery stores? Where have all the no-salt foods gone? There are many of those new low-fat and low-carb foods, but I bet they contain more sodium to make up for a lack of taste. Nowadays everybody is expected to just take a prescription medication to solve blood-pressure problems. I want to combat hypertension through diet and exercise, not by taking pills. Listen up, marketers: low carb is out; no salt is in!

LAUREL GRUBER Avon Lake, Ohio

Instead of looking to drug companies to fix the problem, maybe we should explore the reasons behind the rise in hypertension. Yes, diet and exercise have always been important to a healthy lifestyle. But never before have we been under so much stress. Our children, especially, are scheduled down to every minute of their day. I am concerned about Americans' pill-taking mentality. But the magic bullet for hypertension is not in a bottle; it's a healthy lifestyle. How about making the right foods more affordable?

LISA A. LEE Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

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