HTN: DASH Diet And Weight Reduction
➤ For overweight or obese adults with HTN, the RDN should counsel on a
calorie-controlled DASH dietary pattern for weight management and BP
reduction. Research indicates that the DASH diet with a sodium range
of 1,500mg to 2,400mg reduced SBP by 2mm Hg to 11mm Hg and DBP
by 0mm Hg to 9mm Hg in overweight or obese hypertensive adults,
regardless of anti-hypertensive medications. DASH plus weight reduction
resulted in greater reductions in SBP of 11mm Hg to 16mm Hg and DBP of
6mm Hg to 10mm Hg than weight reduction alone. (Strong, Imperative)
HTN: Alcohol Intake In Moderate Drinkers
➤ If an adult with HTN is a moderate drinker, the RDN should advise that
reducing or refraining from alcohol may or may not aid in BP management.
Research indicates that the effect of alcohol on BP is unclear in moderate
drinkers with HTN, since studies in this population yielded contradictory
results. (Weak, Conditional)
HTN: Alcohol Intake In Heavy Drinkers
➤ If an adult with HTN is a heavy drinker, the RDN should recommend
abstinence from alcohol to aid in BP management. Research indicates that
abstinence from alcohol resulted in a decrease in SBP of up to 28mm Hg
and a decrease in DBP of up to 18mm Hg in chronic heavy drinkers with
HTN. (Strong, Conditional)
HTN: Physical Activity
➤ The RDN should encourage adults with HTN to engage in regular aerobic
activity to lower BP. Physical activity should be of moderate intensity
to vigorous intensity three to four times per week for an average of 40
minutes per session. Research indicates that among adult men and women
at all BP levels, including individuals with HTN, aerobic physical activity
decreases systolic BP and diastolic BP, on average by 2mm Hg to 5mm Hg
and 1mm Hg to 4mm Hg, respectively. Typical interventions shown to be
effective for lowering BP include aerobic physical activity of, on average,
at least 12 weeks of duration, with three to four sessions per week, lasting
on average 40 minutes per session and involving moderate-intensity to
vigorous-intensity physical activity. (Strong, Imperative)
