Nonpharmacologic treatment of hypertension in the United States

Abstract

Although efficacious pharmacologic approaches to the control of high blood pressure are available, concern about risk versus benefit in the use of antihypertensive drug therapy for patients with mild hypertension has led to renewed interest in nonpharmacologic interventions. In the United States, the National High Blood Pressure Education Program, an organization comprised of research scientists and a variety of other professionals concerned with the control of high blood pressure has, through a consensus process, recommended some nonpharmacologic approaches to the treatment of hypertension. These include weight reduction for the obese, moderate sodium restriction (although this is controversial), and restriction of alcohol consumption to less than 1 oz of ethanol daily.