TRATAMIENTO NO FARMACOLÓGICO DE LA HIPERTENSIÓN ARTERIAL

This article reviews the non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions that can be implemented to prevent the development of hypertension (HTN), contribute to its treatment and help reduce cardiovascular complications that may occur in patients diagnosed with HTN, addressing the evidence that support them. It is specified which hypertensive patients are candidates for an initial non-pharmacological treatment trial and which patients also require pharmacological treatment since diagnosis. The benefits of the DASH diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet are analyzed. The controversy about the usefulness of moderate sodium restriction in the diet at the population level and in subjects with hypertension is discussed, as well as the topic of sodium sensitivity and its enhancement benefit on pharmacological therapy. Furthermore, the positive effect of a diet rich in potassium and the caution that should be taken with regard to the exaggerated intake of calcium. The beneficial effects of achieving an adequate body weight and of regular physical exercise are established. It addresses the adverse effects of smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. Finally, the neutral effects of coffee and tea consumption are mentioned.