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 Oslo Diet and Exercise Study (ODES): design and objectives.
The Oslo Diet and Exercise Study ( ODES ) is an unmasked r and omized 2 x 2 factorial trial of 1-year duration for each participant . During 1990 - 1991 219 participants ( 198 males and 21 females ) aged 41 - 50 were r and omized into one of four treatment groups ; no treatment ( control ) , dietary changes alone , exercise alone , or a combination of the two treatments . At inclusion , the participants had no overt heart disease  , but they had increased body weight ; slightly increased blood pressure , serum triglycerides , and total cholesterol  , and they had decreased  HDL cholesterol . Further , they were all inactive at leisure time . The primary aim of the trial is to compare the isolated and combined effects of the four treatments on the variables fibrinogen , fibrinolytic capacity , coagulation factor VII , and platelet volume . A series of secondary hypotheses will also be tested , such as the effects on other coagulation and fibrinolytic components and activities ; lipids and lipoproteins ; fatty acids ; glucose and insulin response to a glucose load ; clinical , physiological , and anthropometric variables ; and quality of life . The dietary treatments are adapted according to each participant 's risk profile ( level of total cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , triglycerides , blood pressure , and body weight ) . Fish and fish products are recommended . Special emphasis is put on caloric restriction in those who are overweight and those with elevated blood pressure .  Exercise sessions take place three times a week under the guidance of highly qualified instructors . The aim is to increase peak oxygen uptake through aerobic endurance training . Adherence to the exercise program is monitored closely
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 .