Dietary fat and blood pressure in humans

The regulation of blood pressure by dietary means represents an important approach toward the reduction of morbidity and mortality of heart disease. The results of our dietary intervention studies demonstrated that a lowered saturated fat, higher polyunsaturated fat diet had a lowering effect on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and a lowering effect on blood lipids. These beneficial effects were accomplished without drastic changes in the typical Western diet. The amount of meat, dairy products, fish and eggs was not altered from the usual intake, while the intake of fruits, vegetables and grains increased. As a consequence of altering the diet, we have found that the blood pressure lowering effect appears to be mediated through linoleic acid (n-6). It is evident from these results that the role of diet must be given serious consideration for the control of blood pressure.