[Diet and arterial hypertension]

All evidence collected in studies up to present times leads us to believe that arterial hypertension can be caused by two main factors: a genetical factor which determines a specific susceptibility to hypertension and environmental factors. Included in these environmental factors are the following: excessive consumption of salt, insufficient intake of calcium or potassium, an increase in the caloric content in one's diet, obesity, consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol, or excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages. The objective of this article is to present the reader with an up-to-date view of how arterial hypertension can be treated with dietary measures.