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 effect of intensified diet counseling on the diet of hypertensive subjects in primary health care: a 2-year open randomized controlled trial of lifestyle intervention against hypertension in eastern Finland.
BACKGROUND Diet is an essential part of the nonpharmacological management of hypertension . The aim of this study was to investigate in a primary health care setting the effect of intensified diet counseling on the diet of hypertensive subjects . METHODS A total of 715 free-living subjects , ages 25 - 74 years , with systolic blood pressure 140 - 179 mm Hg and /or diastolic blood pressure 90 - 109 mm Hg and /or drug treatment for hypertension participated in an open r and omized trial with a 2-year follow-up at health centers in eastern Finl and . The intervention group ( n = 360 ) was advised to reduce their total fat , saturated fat , and salt intake and to increase monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intake as well as to reduce weight and to use alcohol in moderation if at all . The usual care group ( n = 355 ) continued with their usual primary health care . The subjects filled out a 4-day food record , and 24-h urine sample s were collected at baseline and at 1- and 2-year examinations . RESULTS The 2-year net changes ( change in intervention minus change occurring in usual care group ) in total fat intake [ -2.7 E% ( 95 % CI -4.0 , -1.6 ; P < 0.0005 ) ] , in saturated fatty acid intake [ -1.7 E% ( 95 % CI -2.3 , -1.1 ; P < 0.0005 ) ] , and in body weight [ -1.4 kg ( 95 % CI -2.0 , -0.8 ; P < 0.0005 ) ] were significant . Furthermore , the 2-year net change in daily sodium intake was significant , -9 mmol ( 95 % CI -17 , -2 ; P = 0.021 ) , but the 24-h urinary sodium excretion showed no difference between the study groups . CONCLUSION The intensified diet counseling in primary health care result ed in dietary changes interpreted as being of benefit in the long-term treatment of hypertension and prevention of atherosclerotic vascular diseases
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 .