Weight reduction for control of systemic hypertension.
It has been well documented that antihypertensive treatment can prolong life and decrease cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension. Weight reduction is an effective means of decreasing blood pressure. We have treated normal-weight to obese hypertensive patients with weight reduction as a nondrug means of controlling mild to moderate hypertension. Adjunctive therapy included reduced sodium intake (initially 1 g of sodium daily, increased to 2 to 5 g daily), increased physical activity and relaxation techniques. Of the 130 protocol patients, 68 (52%) were normotensive while not taking any medication at the end of the program. Additionally, 36 patients (28%) had lower blood pressure, needed less medication or both; 26 patients (20%) did not have a positive response. Weight reduction is a useful method to control hypertension and a reasonable alternative to drug therapy.
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Department of Medicine, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001835:Body Weight; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged