A report issued by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends that people with prehypertension and known hypertension make lifestyle changes to lower their risk of heart disease and stroke. Catherine Champagne, PhD, professor of research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was the site intervention director for the PREMIER clinical trial, which examined the impact of lifestyle changes on blood pressure and heart disease. In the PREMIER study, participants were divided into three groups: a group that received advice only; an "established" group, which had 26 counseling sessions over 18 months; and an "established" plus Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) group, which attended the same number of counseling sessions and followed the stricter DASH diet. Both "intervention" groups recorded their physical exercise and diet, though the DASH group kept a more detailed dietary record.
Below, Dr. Champagne discusses the lifestyle changes that have been shown to lower blood pressure, and the best ways for people to successfully make those changes.
Why have the blood pressure guidelines changed to include more people?
If people can make lifestyle modifications earlier, we might have a better chance of preventing them from becoming hypertensive. In some recent scientific studies, the risk of heart disease and stroke increased once blood pressure crept over 115/75.
What lifestyle changes do you recommended to people with hypertension or prehypertension?
In our study, we promoted weight control and increased physical activity. We recommended a diet low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products. We also encouraged participants to limit their alcohol consumption: one drink a day for women and two for men.
We know that all of these strategies play a role in controlling blood pressure. Some people may be less successful in diet and more successful in increasing physical activity. Others might be less successful in physical activity and more successful in diet. It's very individual.
