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 .
Improving hypertension control among excessive alcohol drinkers: a randomised controlled trial in France. The WALPA Group.
OBJECTIVES --To improve blood pressure control among hypertensive ( > 140/90 mmHg ) excessive alcohol drinkers . DESIGN --Fourteen worksite physicians  were r and omised onto an intervention group and a control group . The intervention was based on training the worksite physicians and follow up of those hypertensive subjects defined as excessive drinkers . Follow up was based on self monitoring of alcohol consumption by the subject , in view of the results of their gamma glutamyl transferase ( GGT ) activity determination . SETTING --Fourteen workplaces in France - mainly in the industrial sector . SUBJECTS -- Altogether 15 301 subjects were screened by the 14 physicians : 129 of these were included in the study . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES --This was the difference between the initial systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) and the SBP one year later ( delta BP ) . Secondary criteria were the difference between the initial and final diastolic blood pressure ( delta DBP ) and delta BP at two years ; antihypertensive treatment ; state alcohol consumption ( delta AC ) ; delta GGT ; and body mass index ( delta BMI ) . RESULTS --The decrease in SBP levels was significantly larger in the intervention group than in the control group : at one year , delta SBP values were -11.9 ( 15.6 ) mmHg and -4.6 ( 13.8 ) respectively ( p < 0.05 ) . This benefit was still observed after two years of follow up ( -13.8 ( 17.4 ) mmHg v -7.5 ( 14.2 ) mmHg ( p < 0.05 ) ) . No difference was observed in DBP . The percentage of treated subjects did not differ between groups . At one year , delta AC was larger in the intervention group ( -2.8 ( 5.2 ) U/d ) than in the control group ( -1.6 ( 3.4 ) ( p < 0.1 ) ) . delta GGT and delta BMI did not differ between the two groups . A weak positive correlation was observed between delta AC and delta SBP ( r = 0.16 ) . CONCLUSION --An intervention aim ed at the hypertensive excessive drinkers in a working population was found to be effective in reducing SBP on a long term basis ( two years ) . The mechanisms of reduction in alcohol consumption and improved drug compliance can not be ascertained in this pragmatic study . From a public health point of view , reducing the excess cardiovascular risk among a " hard to reach " population seems feasible with a strategy specifically design ed for this high risk group
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 .