NONPHARMACOLOGIC APPROACHES TO HYPERTENSION - WEIGHT, SODIUM, ALCOHOL, EXERCISE, AND TOBACCO CONSIDERATIONS

The hypertensive patient may be able to avoid or curtail use of antihy pertensives by using a nonpharmacologic approach to dealing with his o r her condition. Several factors can lead to a lowering of blood press ure, Weight reduction, salt and alcohol restriction, an increase in ph ysical activity, and cessation of smoking all are treatment measures i n the reduction of hypertension. This article describes the link betwe en obesity, increased salt and alcohol consumption, and smoking with h ypertension. Additionally, the article demonstrates how nonpharmacolog ic approaches, including exercise, can cause changes in blood pressure levels.