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 .
Comparison of relaxation techniques, routine blood pressure measurements, and self-learning packages in hypertension control.
BACKGROUND Even though the effectiveness of mediation and relaxation skills is controversial in blood pressure control , extensive field studies are limited . A national study targeting 50 communities r and omly selected from northern Taiwan was conducted to test and compare the effectiveness of hypertension control incorporating three strategies . METHODS Five hundred ninety hypertensives identified from 3,128 adults at a screening survey among the 50 communities were invited to participate in the study and were r and omly assigned to three treatment modalities , ( a ) relaxation techniques training at home , ( b ) routine blood pressure measurement by a health professional , and ( c ) reading self-learning packages , or to a control group . RESULTS After a 2-month intervention period , the three treatment groups showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure levels compared with the control group ( 11.0 mm Hg for group 1 , 9.2 mm Hg for group 2 , and 5.1 mm Hg for group 3 ) . The relaxation group had the most significant reduction in systolic blood pressure levels , followed by the routine blood pressure monitoring group and the self-learning group . However , the effect of relaxation training at home was not significantly greater than routine blood pressure measurement by a health professional
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 .