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 .
Trial of relaxation in reducing coronary risk: four year follow up.
On screening 192 men and women aged 35 - 64 were identified as having two or more of the following risk factors : blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg , plasma cholesterol concentration greater than or equal to 6.3 mmol/l ( 243.6 mg/100 ml ) , and current smoking habit greater than or equal to 10 cigarettes a day . They were r and omly allocated to a group for modification of behaviour or to serve as controls . Both groups were given health education leaflets containing advice to stop smoking , to reduce animal fats in the diet , and on the importance of reducing blood pressure . In addition , the treatment group had group sessions of one hour a week for eight weeks in which they were taught breathing exercises , relaxation , and meditation and about managing stress . It had previously been found that after eight weeks and eight months there was a significantly greater reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the group taught to relax compared with the control group . After four years of follow up these differences in blood pressure were maintained . Plasma cholesterol concentration and the number of cigarettes smoked were lower in the treatment group at eight weeks and eight months but not at the four year follow up . At four years more subjects in the control group reported having had angina and treatment for hypertension and its complications . Incidence of ischaemic heart disease , fatal myocardial infa rct ion , or electrocardiographic evidence of ischaemia was significantly greater in the control group . If the results of this study could be obtained in a larger study the financial and health care implication s would be enormous
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 .