The benefits of a healthy lifestyle for patients with resistant hypertension

This study looked at the benefits of healthy lifestyle factors for patients with resistant hypertension. The authors concluded that physical activity and not smoking were associated with the greatest reduction in cardiovascular and mortality risk. 

Resistant hypertension is a condition where blood pressure is consistently high. It usually requires treatment with three or more drugs. The risk of mortality and cardiovascular events (such as stroke, and heart attacks) is higher for patients with resistant hypertension. 

Lifestyle changes are often recommended as a non-drug treatment for patients with hypertension. These include not smoking, weight loss, increasing physical activity, and lowering alcohol intake. A healthy diet can also benefit patients with hypertension. DASH is known as a specifically designed dietary program for hypertensive patients.

Data was collected from 2,043 patients with resistant hypertension. The authors looked at 6 healthy lifestyle factors. These included waist circumference, physical activity, not smoking, moderate alcohol intake, mineral intake, and a healthy diet. Cardiovascular and mortality risk was examined over an average period of 4.5 years.

Mortality risk was compared to patients who adhered to 0 to 1 healthy lifestyle factors. Mortality risk was reduced by 29% for patients with 2 healthy lifestyle factors. It was 30% lower for patients with 3 healthy lifestyle factors and 56% lower for patients with 4 to 6 healthy lifestyle factors.

Patients with 2 healthy lifestyle factors were 9% less likely to experience cardiovascular events. Patients with 3 healthy lifestyle factors were 20% less likely to experience cardiovascular events. The risk of a cardiovascular event was reduced by 37% for patients with 4 to 6 healthy lifestyle factors.

Physical activity and not smoking were both individually associated with reduced cardiovascular and mortality risk. A high score on the DASH diet was also associated with a significant decrease in mortality risk. 

The authors concluded that healthy lifestyle factors are associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular events and mortality. This was particularly pronounced for physical activity and not smoking.

Some of the results were self-reported by patients and may have been under- or over-reported. 

Consult with your physician for advice on possible lifestyle changes you can make to help manage resistant hypertension.