Lifestyle recommendations reduced blood pressure in patients with above optimal blood pressure
Q In patients with above optimal blood pressure (BP), what is the relative effectiveness of 2 behavioural interventions (established lifestyle recommendations [ELR] and ELR plus the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] diet) compared with advice only?
METHODS
Design:
randomised controlled trial.
Allocation:
concealed.
Blinding:
blinded (data collectors).
Follow up period:
6 months.
Setting:
4 clinical centres in Maryland, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Oregon, USA.
Patients:
810 generally healthy adults who were ⩾25 years of age (mean age 50 y, 62% women), had above optimal BP (mean systolic BP 120–159 mm Hg and diastolic BP 80–95 mm Hg across 3 screening visits), were not taking antihypertensive medication, and had a body mass index of 18.5–45.0. Exclusion criteria: regular use of drugs affecting BP; target organ damage or diabetes; use …
