Nonpharmacological Management of Resistant Hypertension

In the United States (US), 46% of adults have hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mmHg). Approximately, 16% of patients with hypertension have apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) and the incidence of true resistant hypertension (RHT) is thought to be much lower (~ 2%). These patients with RHT are at a higher risk for adverse events and worse clinical outcomes.

Although lifestyle interventions have proven to be effective as the first line of defense in treating hypertension, their role in the management of patients with RHT is not well established. Despite fewer in number, available studies examining lifestyle interventions in patients with RHT do indeed show promising results. In this review, we aim to discuss the role of common lifestyle interventions such as physical activity, exercise, weight loss, and dietary modifications on blood pressure control in patients with RHT.