Effects of non-pharmacologic therapy.

Whereas there is no doubt that non-drug treatment of hypertension, and modifications in life-style to prevent an age-associated rise in arterial pressure are attractive concepts, opinions vary as to what advice should be offered to hypertensive patients and to populations at large. No modification in diet or life style has been demonstrated to reduce the complications of hypertension. Review of recent reports suggests that moderate exercise, weight reduction in the obese, and moderation of alcohol intake are usually effective in reducing arterial pressure and are unaccompanied by adverse effects. On the contrary, restriction of dietary sodium, or supplementation with potassium, calcium or magnesium have little or variable antihypertensive effects, are not readily accepted by a high percentage of the population, and could have adverse consequences. Other dietary modifications may reduce blood pressure, but additional research is needed to define the relevant component in the diet.