Changes in both systolic and diastolic BP were greater in participants with higher baseline BP or BMI .
The DASH diet improved cardiovascular risk factors and appeared to have greater beneficial effects in subjects with an increased cardiometabolic risk .
The DASH diet is an effective nutritional strategy to prevent CVD
The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension ( DASH ) is recommended to lower blood pressure ( BP ) , but its effects on cardiometabolic biomarkers are unclear .
A systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCT ) was conducted to determine the effects of the DASH diet on cardiovascular risk factors .
Blood Pressure-Lowering Mechanisms of the DASH Dietary Pattern
Potential blood pressure- ( BP- ) lowering mechanisms of the DASH dietary pattern were measured in 20 unmedicated hypertensive adults in a controlled feeding study . At screening , participants averaged 44.3 ± 7.8 years , BMI 33.9 ± 6.6 Kg/m2 , and BP 144.2 ± 9.38/88.5 ± 6.03 mmHg . All consumed a control diet for one week , then were r and omized to control or DASH for another two weeks ( week one and two ) . With DASH , but not  controls , SBP fell by 10.65 ± 12.89 ( P = 0.023 ) and 9.60 ± 11.23 ( P = 0.039 ) mmHg and DBP by 5.95 ± 8.01 ( P = 0.069 ) and 8.60 ± 9.13 mmHg ( P = 0.011 ) at the end of week one and two , respectively . Univariate regressions showed that changes in urinary sodium/potassium ratio ( β = 1.99 ) and plasma renin activity ( β = −15.78 ) and percent change in plasma nitrite after hyperemia were associated with SBP changes at week one ( all P < 0.05 ) . Plasma nitrite following hyperemia showed a treatment effect ( P = 0.014 ) and increased at week two ( P = 0.001 ) . Pulse wave velocity decreased over time with DASH ( trend P = 0.019 ) , and reached significance at week two ( P = 0.026 ) . This response may be mediated by an improvement in upregulation of nitric oxide bioavailability . Early natriuresis and reductions in oxidative stress can not be ruled out . Future studies are needed to verify these findings , assess the possibility of earlier effects , and examine other potential mediators
Changes in both systolic and diastolic BP were greater in participants with higher baseline BP or BMI .
The DASH diet improved cardiovascular risk factors and appeared to have greater beneficial effects in subjects with an increased cardiometabolic risk .
The DASH diet is an effective nutritional strategy to prevent CVD
The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension ( DASH ) is recommended to lower blood pressure ( BP ) , but its effects on cardiometabolic biomarkers are unclear .
A systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCT ) was conducted to determine the effects of the DASH diet on cardiovascular risk factors .