Traitement non pharmacologique de l'hypertension artérielle

All guidelines on the management of arterial hypertension stress on the lifestyle measures have demonstrated their efficacy on blood pressure reduction. Although their effect on the cardiovascular risk remains hypothetical, they are, or should be, instituted in every hypertensive or pre-hypertensive subject. The five lifestyle measures that are widely agreed as lowering blood pressure are: 1) weight reduction, 2) reduction of excessive alcohol intake, 3) physical exercise, 4) reduction of salt intake and 5) augmentation of fruit and vegetable intakes and reduction of saturated and total fat intakes. It is reasonable to consider that these lifestyle modifications are, at best, additive to pharmacological treatment. As such modifications are difficult to institute and maintain in individuals, health education and public health campaigns should help practitioners in better controlling blood pressure in the general population.