In patients taking a diuretic or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, salt restriction usually reduces drug requirements. Daily salt intake should be limited to less than 100 mmol, which is about 6 g of sodium chloride. Although some epidemiologic studies suggest inverse relationships between blood pressure and both calcium and magnesium, it is currently unclear whether increasing dietary intake of either lowers blood pressure. Other dietary adjustments Many dietary approaches to hypertension are still under investigation. Clearly, certain dietary alterations lead to a modification of cholesterol levels and a reduction in cardiac risk.
Many studies suggest that fish oil decreases the risk for cardiovascular events.
There are two kinds of exercise. Isotonic exercise is more effective in lowering blood pressure. It is important to make certain that patients understand the difference between the two types of exercise. Many patients with high blood pressure have coexisting coronary artery disease, which must be controlled before unsupervised exercise can be started. In severe hypertension, medical therapy should be started before endurance training is initiated.