Washington, Oct 25 : While winter holidays are just round the corner, there are chances that people with high blood pressure might risk their health by overindulging in the season, warns an expert.

Dr. Shawna Nesbitt, hypertension specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, said that about one in four Americans has hypertension, a disease that elevates blood pressure and can lead to a host of serious problems including heart attacks and strokes.

"I tell patients to allow themselves one special meal for a holiday, but not to continue unhealthy eating habits for several days or weeks. Leftovers are what sabotage people," she said.

People with hypertension also need to take prescribed medication throughout the holidays, and not skip doses.

"Holidays are a time of tradeoffs. If you know you''re going to have an ample dinner with a lot of salt, you need to have a very low-sodium breakfast and lunchAnd be sure you don''t go over your daily salt limit," added Nesbitt.

Those with hypertension should eat no more than about 1,500 milligrams of salt each day. (ANI)