ABSTRACT
During 1988 [1408 H] nutritionists and medical investigators collected data on blood pressure and food items through a community-based study in the Riyadh region. The total number of the randomly chosen population amounted to 2667 individuals of both sexes in all ages. Of the total sample investigated, it was found that 1.76% had systolic blood pressure of more than 160 mm Hg; 2.75% had diastolic blood pressure of more than 90 mm Hg; and 0.87% had diastolic blood pressure of more than 100 mm Hg. A total of 59.1% of individuals with a systolic blood pressure of more than 160mm Hg were 55 years and above; and 51.14% of those individuals with systolic hypertension were females. For diastolic blood pressure of more than 90 mm Hg, 82.19% were more than 55 years old, and 47.95% were females. Some local Saudi foods were subjected to analytical procedures, through which it was possible to locate foods high in animal fat and/or sodium as unfavorable components for diets of hypertensive [e.g., sambousah with meat, mandy meat, shakshuka omlet]. Measurements of vitamins and minerals, such as ascorbic acid, potassium, and calcium, in favorable foods [e.g., qorsan and gerish] were also conducted. Analytical tables which show relevant constitutes of local Saudi food can be of help in the dietary management of hypertension and adoption of a therapeutic lifestyle