[Health guidance for patients with mild hypertension]

Abstract

Hypertension is the most common lifestyle related disease in Japan. Among the lifestyle modifications, salt restriction is most important especially in Japanese hypertensive patients. Although Japanese as well as international guidelines recommend the restriction of salt intake less than 6 g/day, our report suggests that very few Japanese hypertensive patients achieve this goal. Other lifestyle modifications include the increased intake of vegetables and fruits, maintenance of appropriate body weight, regular exercise, the restriction of alcohol intake and cessation of smoking. It is emphasized that comprehensive lifestyle modification is more effective. Since the long term compliance of lifestyle modification is difficult especially in the patients with mild hypertension, continuous encouragement and support should be done at the opportunity of health screening or health guidance.