NONPHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION - OPTIMAL STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Reasons for non-pharmacological management: Non-pharmacological manage ment has the potential to reverse mild hypertension, to enhance effect s of antihypertensive drugs, and to diminish fatal and non-fatal heart attack and stroke rates. Effective measures: For lowering blood press ure, weight control, alcohol moderation, salt restriction and exercise appear the most effective. Smoking cessation, and diets low in total and saturated fats and rich in fish, fruit and vegetables are also lik ely to substantially reduce atherosclerotic and thrombotic disease. Co nclusions: Advice on non-pharmacological management needs to be target ed appropriately for individuals and populations with widely varying b ehaviours which put them at risk of hypertension and its complications .