The Canadian Consensus Report on Non-Pharmacological Approaches to the Management of High Blood Pressure

The Canadian Consensus Conference on Non-Pharmacological Approaches to the Management of High Blood Pressure reviewed in March, 1989 on its meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia, data concerning the efficacy of eight interventional strategies used for controlling hypertension. These strategies were as follows: alcohol restriction, weight reduction, physical exercise, reduction of salt intake, relaxation/stress management, increase of potassium and calcium intake and combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. The Panel of the Consensus Conference recommended as efficacious the following interventions: alcohol restriction for less than two standard drinks per day, reduction of excessive body weight, and reduction of salt intake. There is sufficient scientific evidence for recommending potassium rich diet for normotensives and hypertensive persons. The Panel also concluded that a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management is an efficacious measure. The Panel at this point of time could not issue recommendations as to the value of relaxation/stress management, physical exercise and calcium intake.