Hypertension alert: Healthy eating, regular exercise may reduce drug dependence

WASHINGTON D.C. [USA]: Patients with high blood pressure problems can reduce the need for antihypertensive medications within 16 weeks with the help of some lifestyle changes, according to a new study.

Study author Alan Hinderliter said, “Lifestyle modifications, including healthier eating and regular exercise, can greatly decrease the number of patients who need blood pressure-lowering medicine. That’s particularly the case in folks who have blood pressures in the range of 130 to 160 mmHg systolic and between 80 and 99 mmHg diastolic.”

The researchers studied 129 overweight or obese men and women between the ages of 40 and 80 years who had high blood pressure. Patients’ blood pressures were between 130-160/80-99 mmHg but they were not taking medications to lower blood pressure at the time of the study.

More than half were candidates for antihypertensive medication at the study’s start, according to recent guidelines.

Researchers randomly assigned each patient to one of three 16-week interventions. Participants in one group changed the content of their diets and took part in a weight management program that included behavioral counseling and three-time weekly supervised exercise.

They changed their eating habits to that of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan, a nutritional approach proven to lower blood pressure. DASH emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy and minimizes consumption of red meat, salt, and sweets.

Participants in the second group changed the diet focusing on the DASH diet with the help of a nutritionist. The third group didn’t change their exercise or eating habits.

The full findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Joint Hypertension 2018 Scientific Sessions, an annual conference focused on recent advances in hypertension research.

  • Related Posts

    • Health
    • February 10, 2024
    • 236 views
    Appointment of CEO packs a Punch in NeuroEqulibrium’s Global Goal

    New Delhi: The ambition of NeuroEquilibrium gets a shot in the arm with the appointment of industry vetran Samit Verma as its CEO (Chief Executive Officer). Its global aspiration will…

    Millets reigned Supreme in International Symposium on Gut Health

    New Delhi: Millets reign supreme as gut health assumes most important aspect of the latest preventive and curative healthcare approach. This fact was writ large on Symposium on ‘Gut Health…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Karnataka Govt Files Criminal Cases Against Pharma Firm In Ballari Maternal Deaths Case

    Karnataka Govt Files Criminal Cases Against Pharma Firm In Ballari Maternal Deaths Case

    NPPA Notifies Ceiling Price Of 13 Formulations, Retail Price Of 65 New Drugs

    NPPA Notifies Ceiling Price Of 13 Formulations, Retail Price Of 65 New Drugs

    Over 14,000 PMBJK Centres Set Up To Provide Generic Medicines: Govt

    Over 14,000 PMBJK Centres Set Up To Provide Generic Medicines: Govt

    Telangana DCA Cracks Down On Illegal Drug Practices

    Telangana DCA Cracks Down On Illegal Drug Practices

    Pune: Two Arrested For Selling Illegal Steroid Injections In Gyms

    Pune: Two Arrested For Selling Illegal Steroid Injections In Gyms

    Serum To Make Chikungunya Vaccine In India

    Serum To Make Chikungunya Vaccine In India