Non pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle factors in hypertension

Lifestyle factors are now recognised to be key determinants of both the rise in blood pressure with ageing and the cardiovascular disease associated with essential hypertension. This paper summarises recent evidence for independent or additive effects of different aspects of diet and behavioural factors on blood pressure levels and some related cardiovascular risk factors. The influence of single nutrients, fats, fibre, protein, antioxidants, caffeine, complex dietary patterns, physical activity, alcohol and smoking will be considered against a background of obesity and psychological factors contributing to blood pressure elevation.