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 .
Effect of weight loss without salt restriction on the reduction of blood pressure in overweight hypertensive patients.
Overweight patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension were followed up biweekly for six months : 24 not receiving antihypertensive-drug therapy ( Group I ) and 83 on  regular but inadequate ( despite drug manipulation ) antihypertensive-drug therapy ( Group II ) . All patients in Group I and 57 r and omly selected patients from group II ( IIa ) participated in a weight-reduction program . The remaining 26 from Group II ( IIb ) did not receive a dietary program .  Salt intake was in the normal range in all three groups . All patients on the dietary program lost at least 3 kg ( mean , 10.5 kg ) , and all but two showed a meaningful reduction in blood pressure ; 75 per cent of Group I and 61 per cent of Group IIa returned to normal blood pressure . The weight and blood-pressure reductions were highly significant ( P less than 0.001 ) , were present in both sexes and all ages , and were directly associated . In Group IIb , no significant change in blood pressure or weight occurred ( P greater than 0.30 )
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 .