<![CDATA[Modern lifestyle changes due to urbanization, increased consumption of fast food, and lack of physical activity have contributed to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension. An unbalanced diet characterized by high intake of salt, saturated fats, and sugar is a major risk factor that accelerates the onset of high blood pressure. This study aims to examine the effect of dietary patterns on the incidence of hypertension and explore its potential as a learning resource for human physiology in higher education. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was employed, involving 43 patients at Tamalanrea Public Health Center, Makassar, Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured dietary questionnaire and blood pressure measurements with a digital sphygmomanometer. The Chi-Square test results indicated a significant relationship between dietary patterns and the incidence of hypertension (χ² = 10.520; p = 0.001). Respondents with unhealthy dietary patterns showed a higher proportion of hypertension compared to those with healthy eating habits. This is physiologically linked to sodium retention, increased blood volume, and the activation of hormonal systems that regulate blood pressure. These findings suggest that real-life contexts such as hypertension can be utilized as a contextual learning tool for understanding human physiology, strengthening scientific literacy, and fostering healthy lifestyle awareness among university students.]]>
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