The Role of Dietary Modifications in Controlling Blood Pressure

Abstract

Hypertension is the result of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms influenced by diverse environmental and genetic parameters Regarding dietary parameters increased sodium intake, inadequate potassium consumption and alcohol play a key role for the pathogenesis and evolution of the hypertensive phenotype. Excess weight usually accompanied by lack of physical activity that characterizes modern lifestyle further contribute to blood pressure (BP) increase. Therefore, lifestyle and dietary interventions are important clinically in order to reduce BP and overall cardiovascular risk. Adoption of the DASH and the Mediterranean diets is related to reduction of BP independently of other lifestyle changes.