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 .
Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension Study (PATHS): effects of an alcohol treatment program on blood pressure.
OBJECTIVE To determine whether blood pressure is reduced for at least 6 months with an intervention to lower alcohol intake in moderate to heavy drinkers with above optimal to slightly elevated diastolic blood pressure , and whether reduction of alcohol intake can be maintained for 2 years . DESIGN A r and omized controlled trial . METHODS Six hundred forty-one outpatient veterans with an average intake of 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day in the 6 months before entry into the study and with diastolic blood pressure 80 to 99 mm Hg were r and omly assigned to a cognitive-behavioral alcohol reduction intervention program or a control observation group for 15 to 24 months . The goal of the intervention was the lower of 2 or fewer drinks daily or a 50 % reduction in intake . A subgroup with hypertension was defined as having a diastolic blood pressure of 90 to 99 mm Hg , or 80 to 99 mm Hg if recently taking medication for hypertension . RESULTS Reduction in average weekly self-reported alcohol intake was significantly greater ( P<.001 ) at every assessment from 3 to 24 months in the intervention group vs the control group : levels declined from 432 g/wk at baseline by 202 g/wk in the intervention group and from 445 g/wk by 78 g/wk in the control group in the first 6 months , with similar reductions after 24 months . The intervention group had a 1.2/0.7-mm Hg greater reduction in blood pressure than the control group ( for each , P = .17 and P = .18 ) for the 6-month primary end point ; for the hypertensive stratum the difference was 0.9/0.7 mm Hg ( for each , P = .58 and P = .44 ) . CONCLUSIONS The 1.3 drinks per day average difference between changes in self-reported alcohol intake observed in this trial produced only small nonsignificant effects on blood pressure . The results from the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension Study ( PATHS ) do not provide strong support for reducing alcohol consumption in nondependent moderate drinkers as a sole method for the prevention or treatment of hypertension
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 .