The role of diet in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Recent reports on the effectiveness of moderate salt restriction and moderate weight loss in reducing elevated blood pressure have stimulated a renewed interest in dietary control of hypertension. It is possible that mild hypertensives (diastolic 90 to 104 mm. Hg.) can maintain normal blood pressure on diet therapy alone, with out anti-hypertensive medication. The role of the dietitian in the management of hypertensive patients is reviewed, and barriers to this role's effectiveness are discussed. It is recommended that national efforts be exerted to make this safe therapy available to all.