Critical behaviors in the dietary management of hypertension

An interdisciplinary group convened by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) was charged with describing the patient behaviors critical to successful dietary management of high blood pressure. The group's report identifies 10 steps the patient must take to change dietary behavior; it emphasizes a gradual, progressive approach and ongoing patient contact with the health care team. The approach should interest the dietary counselor and might serve as an example of how progressive nutrition counseling programs can be built around a behavioral model. The report should stimulate the continuing efforts of the nutrition counselor, the physician, the health care administrator to improve the nutrition care of the patient.