22. The Effect of DASH Diet on Blood Pressure and Metabolic Profile in Hypertensive Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Hypertension contributes to the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and leads to higher morbidity and mortality. Life style modification, including diet, is the recommended initial intervention strategy to reduce blood pressure and affect the metabolic profile as a risk factor of hypertension. One of the recommended dietary interventions is Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Objective: This review aims to systematically review and analyze the studies on the effect of DASH Diet on blood pressure and metabolic profile in hypertensive patients Methods: All the literature were systematically searched by PubMed using PICO analyses (Population: hypertensive patients, Intervention: DASH diet, Comparison: usual care, Outcome: blood pressure and metabolic profile) and obtained 119 studies. Based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, there are six studies included in this analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. Results: A total of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were reviewed comparing the effects of DASH and usual or control diet on blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in DASH group than control group (mean difference -3.89 [-5.02, -2.75]; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%, P-heterogenicity = 0.45). Diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in DASH group than control group (mean difference -2.19 [-3.04, -1.33]; P < 0.00001; I2 = 37%, P-heterogenicity = 0.21). We reviewed three RCTs comparing uric acid levels. One study found uric acid levels were significantly reduced in the DASH group than control group. Conclusions: DASH diet is effective as an initial intervention in reducing blood pressure and metabolic profile, especially uric acid.