Impact of fatty diets on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with dietary fats playing a critical role in its regulation. While unsaturated fats are associated with blood pressure (BP) reduction, saturated and trans fats may exacerbate hypertension. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of various fatty diets on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and identify dietary patterns most effective for BP management. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov (inception to February 2025) identified randomized clinical trials and observational studies assessing dietary fats' effects on BP. Twenty-five studies (n=14,522 participants) met inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed to estimate mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Funnel plots were generated to assess publication bias. Risk of bias was assessed using the RevMan Web tool, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Food-based oil diets significantly reduced SBP and DBP (MD: -18.43 and -12.90 mm Hg). Low-fat and unsaturated fat-enriched diets lowered SBP (-6.91 and -4.46 mm Hg) and DBP (-3.78 and -0.74 mm Hg). The DASH diet had moderate effects (SBP: -3.83, DBP: -2.18 mm Hg). Omega-3 and high-fat diets showed smaller reductions. Saturated fat restriction had minimal impact. Food-based fatty oil diets had the greatest BP reduction, while low-fat, unsatu-rated fat-enriched, and DASH diets (fat-based variation) showed moderate effects. High-fat and omega-3 diets had smaller impacts, emphasizing diet's role in BP management.