Importance of weight loss and sodium restriction in the treatment of mild and moderate essential hypertension.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium restriction, alone or combined with energy intake restriction, in managing chronic arterial hypertension in primary hypertensive out-patients.
Results Summary
Sodium restriction significantly influenced blood pressure levels in drug-treated patients within one month, while weight loss was most effective in untreated patients after three months. The combination of sodium restriction and weight loss was not more effective than either measure alone.
Population
116 primary hypertensive out-patients (excluding those on diuretics), with 62 completing the study.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
3 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
modification of usual diet characterized by salt restriction combined with energy intake restriction | decrease | blood pressure | 116 treated or not primary hypertensive out-patients | - | effective by decreasing | #1 |
modification of usual diet characterized by salt restriction combined with energy intake restriction | decrease | total cholesterol | 116 treated or not primary hypertensive out-patients | - | effective by decreasing | #2 |
weight loss | decrease | blood pressure | untreated patients | - | the most effective way to decrease | #3 |
sodium restriction | decrease | blood pressure level | drug-treated patients | - | significantly influences | #4 |
combination of both modifications (weight loss and sodium restriction) | no change | - | - | - | does not appear to be more effective than each separate dietary measure | #5 |
The effectiveness of non pharmacological treatment of chronic arterial hypertension has been evaluated in 116 treated or not primary hypertensive out-patients. Those receiving diuretics were however excluded. This population was requested to follow for 3 months a modification of their usual diet characterized by salt restriction combined with energy intake restriction when the patients were above their ideal body weight. Only 62 patients (53%) completed the study. However, this approach was effective by decreasing blood pressure and total cholesterol. The weight loss appears the most effective way to decrease blood pressure in untreated patients, but needs 3 months to be significant. In drug-treated patients, the sodium restriction significantly influences the blood pressure level, already after 1 month. However, salt sensitivity has been noted, especially in the most severe forms of the hypertensive disease. The combination of both modifications (weight loss and sodium restriction) does not appear to be more effective than each separate dietary measure.