33
Evidence-Based Goals
Approximate Mean Change in
SBP (mm Hg)*
With
Hypertension
Without
Hypertension
Aim for sustained ≥5% reduction in body weight or
≥3 kg/m
2
reduction in BMI; expect about 1 mm Hg
reduction for every 1-kg reduction in body weight
–6 to –8 –3 to –5
Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, and low-fat dairy products, with reduced
content of saturated and total fat
−5 to −8 −3 to −7
Optimal goal is <2,300 mg/day, but aim for an ideal
limit of <1,500 mg/day
−6 to −8 −1 to −4
Reduce dietary sodium intake as above −5 to −7 −5
Aim for 3,500–5,000 mg/day, ideally by
consumption of a diet rich in potassium; or
alternative use of moderate-dose pharmacological
potassium supplementation (<80 mmol)
−6 −3 to −6
Optimal goal is abstinence for all adults for best
health outcomes; in patients who consume alcohol,
aim for >50% reduction in daily intake to no more
than 2 drinks/day in men or 1 drink/day in women
−4 to −6 −3
90–150 minutes/week
65%–75% heart rate reserve
−4 to −8 −2 to −7
90–150 minutes/week
50%–80% 1 rep maximum
6 exercises, 3 sets/exercise, 10 repetitions/set
−2 to −7 −2 to −5
4 × 2 minutes (hand grip), 1 minute rest between
exercises, 30%–40% maximum voluntary
contraction, 3 sessions/week
−5 to −10 −4 to −6
Training by a professional, followed by 2 × 20 minute
sessions/day while seated comfortably with eyes closed
−5 to −7 −5
Device-guided session to decrease respiration to <10
breaths/minute for 15 minutes/day
−5 −5
Modified with permission from Whelton et al. Copyright © 2018 American College of
Cardiolog y Foundation and American Heart Association, Inc.
