A weight loss diet reduced the 5-year incidence of treatment failure compared to a usual diet (49.8 vs 56.7 per 100 participants) in overweight patients with mild hypertension.
RCT (n=587)
double-blind
randomized
Yes
Does a weight loss diet improve long-term blood pressure control and reduce the need for additional antihypertensive medications in overweight persons with mild hypertension?
Weight reduction by dietary intervention is an effective long-term therapy for maintaining blood pressure control in overweight individuals with mild hypertension, reducing the need for additional antihypertensive medications.
Absolute Event Rate: 49.8% vs 56.7%
BACKGROUND: Increasing concern over long-term drug treatment of mild hypertension has stimulated several studies of weight reduction. Phase I of the Trial of Antihypertensive Interventions and Management demonstrated a short-term effect of weight loss on blood pressure control in overweight persons with mild hypertension, who were either taking placebo or taking low-dose monotherapy. Phase II investigates the long-term benefit of weight loss on the ability to maintain blood pressure control. METHODS: From 10148 community-based screenees, 587 persons (5.8%), aged 21 to 65 years, entered a multicenter, randomized drug (double-blind, placebo-controlled) and diet trial. Participants had a diastolic blood pressure between 90 and 100 mm Hg and were at 110% to 160% of their ideal weight. They were randomized to a usual diet (n = 296) or to a weight loss diet (n = 291) and within each diet group to placebo, chlorthalidone, 25 mg/d, or atenolol, 50 mg/d. Treatment failure was defined as using additional antihypertensive medications if diastolic blood pressure rose above 90 mm Hg according to protocol-specified criteria. RESULTS: At baseline, mean diastolic blood pressure was 93 mm Hg; systolic blood pressure, 143 mm Hg; weight, 88 kg; percent ideal weight, 137%; age, 48 years; 56% were men; and 33% were black. Mean follow-up was 4.5 years. There was a net loss of 2 to 3 kg with weight loss diet compared with usual diet over most of the follow-up period. The 5-year incidence of treatment failure was 56.7 per 100 participants with usual diet and 49.8 per 100 with weight loss. Long-term weight loss decreased failure of blood pressure control for those receiving placebo or low-dose diuretic or beta-blocker by 23%. The results were similar in direction in each drug group. CONCLUSIONS: The Trial of Antihypertensive Interventions and Management demonstrated that weight reduction is an effective long-term therapy for maintaining blood pressure in the normal range when used as monotherapy or in combination with either thiazide diuretics or beta-blockers. Consequently, weight loss should be recommended for the management of obese individuals with mild hypertension.
Ben Davis (Mon,) conducted a rct in Mild hypertension and overweight (n=587). Weight loss diet vs. Usual diet was evaluated on Treatment failure (using additional antihypertensive medications if diastolic blood pressure rose above 90 mm Hg). A weight loss diet reduced the 5-year incidence of treatment failure compared to a usual diet (49.8 vs 56.7 per 100 participants) in overweight patients with mild hypertension.