Table 11-2

Weight reduction

Maintain normal body weight (BMI, 18.5-24.9)

5-20 mm Hg/10-kg weight loss

Adopt DASH eating plan

Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products with a reduced content of saturated fat and total fat

8-14 mm Hg

Dietary sodium reduction

Reduce dietary sodium intake to no more than 100 mEq/L (2.4 g sodium or 6 g sodium chloride)

2-8 mm Hg

Physical activity

Engage in regular aerobic physical activity such as brisk walking (at least 30 minutes per day, most days of the week)

4-9 mm Hg

Moderation of alcohol consumption

Limit consumption to no more than two drinks per day (1 oz or 30 mL ethanol [eg, 24 oz beer, 10 oz wine, or 3 oz 80-proof whiskey]) in most men and no more than one drink per day in women and lighter-weight persons

2-4 mm Hg

¹For overall cardiovascular risk reduction, stop smoking. The effects of implementing these modifications are dose and time dependent and could be higher for some individuals.

BMI = body mass index calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters; BP = blood pressure; DASH = Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

From Chobanian AV et al: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: the JNC 7 report. JAMA 2003;289:2560.