Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent and Manage Hypertension for Exercise Physiologists and Fitness Professionals

Abstract

Information tailored to the interest of exercise physiologists and fitness professionals is provided regarding the Canadian Hypertension Society's 2005 evidence-based recommendations on lifestyle modifications for the prevention and management of hypertension. The evidence from randomized controlled (RC) trials and systematic reviews of RC trials published in peer reviewed journals was reviewed by subject matter experts and then appraised independently by content and methodology experts. Blood pressure lowering was accepted as a primary outcome. All recommendations were debated and then voted on by the 43 members of the Canadian Hypertension Education Program's Evidence-Based Recommendations Task Force and achieved at least 95% consensus. Lifestyle modifications to prevent and/or manage hypertension include: (1) perform 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise on 4- 7 days of the week; (2) maintain a healthy body weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and waist circumference (<102 cm for men and <88 cm for women); (3) limit alcohol consumption to no more than 14 standard drinks per week in men or 9 standard drinks per week in women; (4) follow a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and which is reduced in fat and cholesterol (DASH diet); (5) restrict salt intake; and (6) consider stress management in selected individuals.