[Treatment of hypertension--the value of non-drug measures]

To investigate the usefulness of non-pharmacological measures in the treatment of essential hypertension, 91 subjects comprising patients attending a physical-medical department and the inhabitants of an old people's home, were asked to complete a questionnaire.

Almost all patients were receiving drug therapy (n = 89); in two-thirds treatment had been initiated when the diagnosis was first established. Although two-thirds were well informed about non-pharmacological measures (physical exercise, sodium restricted diet, reduced caloric intake, changes in dietary habits), more than one-half of the patients had neither been informed about, nor instructed in the use of, any of these alternatives by their general practitioners. Some 40% were aware of the benefit of relaxation techniques, but only one in six practiced them.

Although this study revealed a high level of knowledge of non-pharmacological anti-hypertensive therapy, the care-providing doctors clearly attach more importance to prescribing drugs. In view of the potential value of alternative forms of treatment, greater consideration of this point by the physician would be desirable.