Steak au poivre

Hypertension
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath
Complications	Heart disease, stroke, kidney failure
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Long term
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetics, diet, lifestyle
Risks	Obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption
Diagnosis	Blood pressure measurement
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, medication
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

Signs and Symptoms

Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms until it has caused significant damage to the heart and arteries. Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Causes

The exact cause of hypertension is often unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development, including:

• Genetics
• Unhealthy diet, particularly high salt intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking

Diagnosis

Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is generally considered high.

Treatment

Treatment for hypertension typically involves lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes may include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Reducing salt intake
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking

Medications used to treat hypertension include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.

Complications

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Vision loss

Prevention

Preventing hypertension involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use.

See Also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Blood pressure
• Heart attack

External Links

• World Health Organization: Hypertension
• CDC: High Blood Pressure

Steak au poivre is a French dish that consists of a steak, traditionally a filet mignon, coated with loosely cracked peppercorns and then cooked. The peppercorns form a crust on the steak when cooked and provide a pungent but complementary counterpoint to the rich flavor of the high-quality beef.

Ingredients and Preparation

The primary ingredients in steak au poivre are beef steak, black peppercorns, butter, and heavy cream. Some variations of the recipe also include cognac or brandy, which is flambéed to add depth of flavor and to reduce the alcohol content. The steak is coated with the cracked peppercorns, which are usually crushed or ground just before use to ensure freshness and flavor. The steak is then seared in a hot skillet to form a crust and to seal in the juices. The final step in the preparation is the creation of a pan sauce made from the fond (the caramelized drippings left in the pan), butter, and cream.

Variations

There are several variations of steak au poivre, including those that use different types of peppercorns, such as green or pink, or a mixture of several types. Some recipes also include other ingredients in the sauce, such as shallots, beef stock, or different types of alcohol.

Serving

Steak au poivre is traditionally served with pommes frites (French fries) or pommes de terre sautées (sautéed potatoes). The dish is often accompanied by a green salad or a side of vegetables.

History

The exact origins of steak au poivre are unclear, but the dish is most commonly associated with classic French cuisine. It is thought to have been popularized in the late 19th or early 20th century, during the period of French culinary dominance.

See also

• French cuisine
• List of steak dishes
• Filet mignon