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 Calcium Carbonate on Blood Pressure in Normotensive and Hypertensive People
Forty-seven patients with mild hypertension and 48 normotensive patients entered a blinded , parallel study in which they received a placebo , 10 mmol/day calcium carbonate ( CaCO3 ) , or 20 mmol/day CaCO3 . There were no significant differences in blood pressure changes among the groups . In the hypertensive group and in patients with the highest blood pressure there were individual falls in systolic pressure , particularly in the group receiving 10 mmol daily CaCO3 . In the hypertensive group the changes were : with placebo , −3±2/− 2±2 mm Hg ; with CaCO3 ( 10 mmol ) , −7±3/− 2±2 mm Hg ; and with CaCO3 ( 20 mmol ) , −2±3/l±2 mm Hg . No change was significant , and no pressure changes of patients taking CaCO3 differed significantly from changes of patients taking placebo . Ten of 33 patients taking placebo , 11 of 31 taking 10 mmol/ day CaCO3 , and nine of 31 taking 20 mmol/day CaCO3 were classified as responders from their systolic blood pressure fall . These response rates did not differ . Eight patients had falls of systolic blood pressure greater than 15 mm Hg . Five were on 10 mmol/day CaCO3 and three on 20 mmol/day CaCO3 . This response was significantly different from that with placebo . Univariate analyses failed to reveal any predictive dietary or biochemical parameter . After 3 months of not taking CaCO3 , 12 patients classified as responders , including six of the eight with a fall of 15 mm Hg or more , were rer and omized to placebo or to 20 mmol/day CaCO3 . In the rechallenge , responses to CaCO3 and placebo were similar , neither causing a significant pressure fall . Calcium carbonate did not reduce blood pressure . The apparent response hi a few patients was not verified by rechallenge . The present study does not support calcium supplementation as a useful nonpharmacological measure for reducing elevated blood pressure
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 .