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 .
How useful is weight reduction in the management of hypertension?
A group of previously untreated obese hypertensive patients were started on a weight reduction programme supervised by two dietitians working in a general practice surgery . It was stressed from the beginning of the programme that reducing blood pressure was the purpose of the diet . The results of follow-up after six months are presented together with results for a control group of obese hypertensive patients not receiving dietary advice or drug therapy , but being followed by the general practitioner . The weight , systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of the dieting hypertensive group were significantly lower than those of the non-dieting group after six months . However , the drop-out rate was significantly higher for the dieting group than for the non-dieting group . The results of a separate comparison between a control group of obese normotensive patients following the same dietary programme and the group of dieting obese hypertensive patients are also presented . Attendance rates and weight loss achieved were significantly better for the hypertensive group than for the normotensive group after 12 months . Weight reduction appears to be an effective first-line therapy for approximately 50 % of obese patients with mild to moderate hypertension , and raised blood pressure appears to provide motivation for such patients to attend a dietitian 's clinic and to lose weight
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 .