30
Treatment
Table 12. Nonpharmacologic Strategies for Blood Pressure
Management*
Nonpharmacologic
Intervention Dose
Approximate Impact
on SBP
Hypertension Normotension
Reduced
intake of
dietary
sodium
Dietary
sodium
Optimal goal is <1,500 mg/d
but aim for at least a 1,000
mg/d reduction in most
adults.
- 5/6 mm
Hg
- 2–3 mm
Hg
Enhanced
intake of
dietary
potassium
Dietary
potassium
Aim for 3,500–5,000 mg/d,
preferably by consumption
of a diet rich in potassium.
- 4–5 mm
Hg
- 2 mm
Hg
Physical
activity
Aerobic
• 90–150 min/wk
• 65%–75% heart rate
reserve
- 5–8 mm
Hg
- 2–4 mm
Hg
Dynamic
resistance
• 90–150 min/wk
• 50%–80% of 1 repetition
maximum
• 6 exercises, 3 sets/exercise,
10 repetitions/set
- 4 mm
Hg
- 2 mm
Hg
Isometric
resistance
• 4 × 2 min (hand grip), 1
min rest between exercises,
30%–40% maximum
voluntary contraction, 3
sessions/wk
• 8–10 wk
- 5 mm
Hg
- 4 mm
Hg
Moderation
in alcohol
intake
Alcohol
consumption
In individuals who drink
alcohol, limit alcohol
†
to:
• Men: ≤2 drinks daily
• Women: ≤1 drink daily
- 4 mm
Hg
- 3 mm
Hg
* Type, dose, and expected impact on BP in adults with a normal BP and with hypertension.
†
In the United States, 1 "standard" drink contains roughly 14 g of pure alcohol, which is
typically found in 12 oz of regular beer (usually about 5% alcohol), 5 oz of wine (usually
about 12% alcohol), and 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (usually about 40% alcohol).
Modified with permission from Whelton PK, et al. op. cit. Copyright 2018 American Heart
Association, Inc. and American College of Cardiolog y Foundation.
(cont'd)
