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The DASH diet and blood pressure.
Shirley R Craddick1, Patricia J Elmer, Eva Obarzanek
1Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, 3800 North Interstate, Portland, OR 97227, USA. shirley_craddick@att.net
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|October 4, 2003
Summary
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet significantly lowers high blood pressure. This eating plan, rich in fruits and vegetables, also reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) is a primary risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other chronic conditions.
- Current guidelines recommend lifestyle modifications for individuals with blood pressure readings of 120/80 mm Hg or higher.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet in managing blood pressure.
- To assess the DASH diet's impact on other cardiovascular risk factors and its synergy with antihypertensive medications.
Main Methods:
- The study references large, randomized, controlled trials investigating the DASH diet's effects.
- Key components of the DASH diet include high intake of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, with reduced fat content.
Main Results:
- The DASH diet demonstrated significant reductions in blood pressure.
- Evidence indicates the DASH diet can lower blood cholesterol and homocysteine levels.
- The diet was shown to enhance the efficacy of antihypertensive drug therapies.
Conclusions:
- The DASH diet is a highly effective dietary strategy for lowering blood pressure.
- Promoting the DASH diet, alongside other healthy lifestyle habits, is crucial for reducing hypertension and CVD risk.