Robust statistically significant effects were found for improved diet , aerobic exercise , alcohol and sodium restriction , and fish oil supplements : mean reductions in systolic blood pressure of 5.0 mmHg [ 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) : 3.1 - 7.0 ] , 4.6 mmHg ( 95 % CI : 2.0 - 7.1 ) , 3.8 mmHg ( 95 % CI : 1.4 - 6.1 ) , 3.6 mmHg ( 95 % CI : 2.5 - 4.6 ) and 2.3 mmHg ( 95 % CI : 0.2 - 4.3 ) , respectively , with corresponding reductions in diastolic blood pressure .
Relaxation significantly reduced blood pressure only when compared with non-intervention controls .
We found no robust evidence of any important effect on blood pressure of potassium , magnesium or calcium supplements .
Available evidence does not support relaxation therapies , calcium , magnesium or potassium supplements to reduce blood pressure
PURPOSE To quantify effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for hypertension .
The influence of oral potassium citrate/bicarbonate on blood pressure in essential hypertension during unrestricted salt intake.
In several trials , a blood pressure lowering effect of potassium chloride could be demonstrated . However , it is not known if other potassium salts are also effective . In a r and omized cross-over trial , 12 patients with essential hypertension were treated for 8 weeks with placebo and 120 mmol potassium per day . Potassium was given together with 50 % citrate and 50 % bicarbonate as anions .  Urinary potassium excretion rose from 61.8 + /- 8.1 to 166.7 + /- 21.2 mmol/24 hours during potassium supplementation . However , blood pressure and heart rate remained unchanged when compared to placebo . Non-chloride potassium salts may not be effective in lowering blood pressure in essential hypertension . Since potassium rich foods like fruits and vegetables contain potassium mostly as non-chloride salts , it appears to be premature to recommend a high dietary potassium intake as a mean to treat elevated blood pressure
Robust statistically significant effects were found for improved diet , aerobic exercise , alcohol and sodium restriction , and fish oil supplements : mean reductions in systolic blood pressure of 5.0 mmHg [ 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) : 3.1 - 7.0 ] , 4.6 mmHg ( 95 % CI : 2.0 - 7.1 ) , 3.8 mmHg ( 95 % CI : 1.4 - 6.1 ) , 3.6 mmHg ( 95 % CI : 2.5 - 4.6 ) and 2.3 mmHg ( 95 % CI : 0.2 - 4.3 ) , respectively , with corresponding reductions in diastolic blood pressure .
Relaxation significantly reduced blood pressure only when compared with non-intervention controls .
We found no robust evidence of any important effect on blood pressure of potassium , magnesium or calcium supplements .
Available evidence does not support relaxation therapies , calcium , magnesium or potassium supplements to reduce blood pressure
PURPOSE To quantify effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for hypertension .