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 .
The accumulative effects of physical activity in hypertensive post-menopausal women.
BACKGROUND Lifestyle modifications , such as physical activity , are recommended as first-line or adjunctive therapy for hypertension . However , controversy exists regarding the type , amount , and intensity of physical activity for optimal blood pressure lowering . DESIGN AND METHODS This study evaluated the blood pressure changes in 18 post-menopausal , sedentary , untreated hypertensive women r and omized to an individualized 8-week programme of intermittent moderate-intensity physical activity versus no change in physical activity . The physical activity group was asked to select activities ( such as walking ) to engage in physical activity for 10 min , three times a day , 5 days per week at an intensity of 50 - 60 % heart rate reserve . RESULTS Independent T-tests were used to compare the difference in resting blood pressure between groups . After 8 weeks , resting blood pressure was 8/5 mmHg lower in the physical activity group ( systolic blood pressure , P= 0.006 and diastolic blood pressure , P = 0.059 ) . The between group differences remained significant after adjustment for age , baseline blood pressure and previous use of antihypertensive drug therapy . CONCLUSION These data show that hypertensive , post-menopausal women who engage in intermittent , moderate-intensity physical activity experience a reduction in 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 .