Cited by 760Blood Pressure and Hypertension StudiesSodium Intake and HealthCardiovascular Health and Disease Prevention

Lifestyle interventions to reduce raised blood pressure: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

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Dickinson, Heather O, Mason, James M, Nicolson, Donald J, Campbell, Fiona, Beyer, Fiona R, Cook, Julia V, Williams, Bryan, Ford, Gary A·2006·Journal of Hypertension

Abstract

PURPOSE: To quantify effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for hypertension. DATA SOURCES: Electronic bibliographic databases from 1998 onwards, existing guidelines, systematic reviews. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA ABSTRACTION: We included randomized, controlled trials with at least 8 weeks' follow-up, comparing lifestyle with control interventions, enrolling adults with blood pressure at least 140/85 mmHg. Primary outcome measures were systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Two independent reviewers selected trials and abstracted data; differences were resolved by discussion. RESULTS: We categorized trials by type of intervention and used random effects meta-analysis to combine mean differences between endpoint blood pressure in treatment and control groups in 105 trials randomizing 6805 participants. Robust statistically significant effects were found for improved diet, aerobic exercise, alcohol and sodium restriction, and fish oil supplements: mean reductions in systolic blood pressure of 5.0 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1-7.0], 4.6 mmHg (95% CI: 2.0-7.1), 3.8 mmHg (95% CI: 1.4-6.1), 3.6 mmHg (95% CI: 2.5-4.6) and 2.3 mmHg (95% CI: 0.2-4.3), respectively, with corresponding reductions in diastolic blood pressure. Relaxation significantly reduced blood pressure only when compared with non-intervention controls. We found no robust evidence of any important effect on blood pressure of potassium, magnesium or calcium supplements. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with elevated blood pressure should follow a weight-reducing diet, take regular exercise, and restrict alcohol and salt intake. Available evidence does not support relaxation therapies, calcium, magnesium or potassium supplements to reduce blood pressure.

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Crossref · 10.1097/01.hjh.0000199800.72563.26

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  • Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and flavonoids (quercetin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid) that have been linked to reduced blood pressure.

    “They are rich in crucial fatty acids, particularly with a high omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, linked to reduced BP and a lower risk of CVD [43–45]. A 100-g serving of chia provides significant amounts of magnesium, potassium, and calcium, all potent vasodilators and vascular smooth muscle contraction inhibitors, effectively reducing BP [46–49]. Additionally, chia seeds contain flavonoids such as querc”

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Authors
Dickinson, H. O., Mason, J. M., Nicolson, D. J., Campbell, F., Beyer, F. R., Cook, J. V., Williams, B., & Ford, G. A.
Affiliations
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (GB)
  • Durham University (GB)
  • University of Leeds (GB)
  • University of Leicester (GB)
  • Royal Victoria Infirmary (GB)
Corresponding author
Dickinson, Heather O
Venue
Journal of Hypertension
Published
2006-02
Volume
24
Issue
2
Pages
215-233
ISSN
0263-6352 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2092678169
Cited by
759
References
165
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 26 · 2021: 29 · 2020: 52 · 2019: 46 · 2018: 39 · 2017: 32 · 2016: 39 · 2015: 43 · 2014: 58 · 2013: 61 · 2012: 55
FWCI
6.95
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Hypertension (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
  • Leicester Research Archive (University of Leicester) (submittedVersion)
  • Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Blood Pressure and Hypertension Studies
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Sodium Intake and Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Cardiovascular Health and Disease Prevention
Keywords
hypertension, lifestyle intervention, blood pressure reduction, dietary intervention, aerobic exercise, alcohol restriction, sodium restriction, fish oil supplements, relaxation training, mineral supplements, weight loss diet
MeSH terms
Administrative Personnel, Blood Pressure, Calcium, Dietary, Diet, Fish Oils, Humans, Hypertension, Life Style, Magnesium, Potassium, Exercise, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

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