Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisFu J, Liu Y, Zhang L, et al. Nonpharmacologic interventions for reducing blood pressure in adults with prehypertension to established hypertension J Am Heart Assoc. 2020; 9:e016804.
What is the effect of different non-drug strategies on blood pressure in adults with pre-hypertension to established hypertension compared to usual care? How do these strategies compare to one another? What is the most effective strategy?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is one of the main risk factors for developing heart disease. By 2025, around 1.5 billion people will be living with hypertension due to factors such as age and unhealthy lifestyles. Medications, which lower blood pressure, are effective primary treatment options, but they are associated with side effects and a risk of treatment resistance, as well as barriers such as cost. Non-drug options for preventing and managing hypertension have been studied in the past, and are recommended in various hypertension guidelines. However, more comprehensive research that better compares different non-drug strategies and provides concrete evidence to support their use is needed.
This is a network meta-analysis of 126 randomized controlled trials. The studies were published between 1973 and 2016, and included a total of 14, 923 participants. Key features of the studies:
In people with pre-hypertension to established hypertension, low to high quality evidence shows that DASH, low-sodium and high-potassium salt, salt restriction, low-calorie diet, low-calorie diet plus exercise, breathing control, aerobic exercise, isometric training, yoga, and comprehensive lifestyle modification can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, compared to usual care. In particular, high quality evidence shows that DASH may be the most effective approach relative to the other tested non-drug strategies. While a number of non-drug strategies may reduce blood pressure, their effects can vary for different populations and outcomes (i.e., systolic or diastolic) of focus. This means certain strategies may be effective for people with pre-hypertension and not those with established hypertension and vice versa, which is important to note when deciding on a treatment plan.
Various non-drug strategies which fall under the categories of dietary approach, physical exercise, salt restriction, weight loss intervention, stress reduction intervention, and comprehensive life-style intervention can be beneficial for lowering blood pressure in people at risk of hypertension or already living with hypertension. DASH seems to be especially effective in people with pre-hypertension to established hypertension.