DIET-CENTERED STRATEGIES FOR HYPERTENSION CONTROL: MECHANISMS, CLINICAL EVIDENCE, AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Besides being among the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accidents and renal disease (including end-stage renal disease), the global community regards hypertension as one of the critical issues of public health. One of the nonpharmacological methods of treating and preventing hypertension has been found to be through dietary modifications which had been shown beyond reasonable doubt. There is evidence that dietary interventions result in the radical decrease in blood pressure and cardiovascular health of individuals with high blood pressure. Nutritional measures are also lifestyle changes that can play a role in non-pharmacological treatment. Such diets as dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean diet, which place heavy emphasis on the intake of fruits and vegetables, have proven to be effective in lowering blood pressure. Some of these nutrients include potassium, calcium and magnesium that pose great impact on blood pressure. In addition, dietary fibers have an important part in managing the level of arterial blood pressure in hypertensive and pre-hypertensive subjects. This diet may be useful in helping to manage one's blood pressure. The DASH dietary pattern could significantly decrease the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of a person. In addition, it is proven that the effect of a healthy diet on lowering blood pressure is increased when sodium consumption is decreased further. Two other dietary options also associated with increased cardiovascular outcomes are consuming less processed food and more plant-based food. Consequently, diet intervention remains critical in the management and prevention of hypertension.