Nonpharmacologic therapy for hypertension: does it really work?

Full Abstract

Nondrug therapy of hypertension really does work but requires strong motivation by both patient and physician. In addition to global health benefits, prescription of weight loss, exercise, moderation of salt and alcohol intake, Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, and tobacco avoidance can decrease the risk for normotensive and prehypertensive patients of developing fixed hypertension. Initiating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be sufficient to avoid pharmacologic therapy for some patients and is a valuable adjunct to drug therapy for most. Blood pressure lowering can be achieved by weight reduction (5-20 mm Hg/10 kg), DASH eating plan (8-14 mm Hg), dietary sodium reduction (2-8 mm Hg), increased physical activity (4-9 mm Hg), and moderation of alcohol consumption (2-4 mm Hg). Combination of two or more modalities may have an additive benefit. Cessation of tobacco abuse not only has global health benefits, but may reduce blood pressure.

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Author information

Author/s: Tejada, Thor (T); Fornoni, Alessia (A); Lenz, Oliver (O); Materson, Barry J (BJ);

Affiliation: University of Miami OPPRP, PO Box 016960, Miami, FL 33101, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Current cardiology reports (Curr Cardiol Rep), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Nov; vol 8 (issue 6) : pp 418-24

Dates: Created 2006/10/24; Completed 2007/01/09;

PMID: 17059793, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Alcohol Drinking
Diet, Sodium-Restricted
Exercise
Humans
Hypertension - diet therapy; therapy

Hypertension - diet therapy; therapy
Potassium, Dietary - administration & dosage
Smoking Cessation
Treatment Outcome
Weight Loss

Associated Chemicals: Potassium, Dietary (0)

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