Nutritional Management of Hypertension: Cost Versus Benefit

The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension is increasing in both developed and developing countries with major impacts on morbidity and mortality.Nutritional management of high blood pressure is an important intervention that is safe, sustainable and cost-effective.Dietary modifications that decrease BP include: reduced sodium and increased potassium intake; increased fruit and vegetable intake; low-moderate dark chocolate intake; moderation in alcohol intake and specific dietary patterns including DASH, Mediterranean and vegetarian diets as well as weight management.The role of dietary supplements with vitamins and minerals for the management of hypertension is currently under review but benefits have yet to be shown.Dietary factors that manage and prevent hypertension on both individual and population levels across the lifespan form the basis of a healthy lifestyle that will reduce morbidity and mortality and lead to healthier aging. The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension is increasing in both developed and developing countries with major impacts on morbidity and mortality. Nutritional management of high blood pressure is an important intervention that is safe, sustainable and cost-effective. Dietary modifications that decrease BP include: reduced sodium and increased potassium intake; increased fruit and vegetable intake; low-moderate dark chocolate intake; moderation in alcohol intake and specific dietary patterns including DASH, Mediterranean and vegetarian diets as well as weight management. The role of dietary supplements with vitamins and minerals for the management of hypertension is currently under review but benefits have yet to be shown. Dietary factors that manage and prevent hypertension on both individual and population levels across the lifespan form the basis of a healthy lifestyle that will reduce morbidity and mortality and lead to healthier aging.