Hypertension DASH Diet and Salt Free Diet

Overview

Background: In the management of hypertension lifestyle changes are recommended along with pharmacological treatment. Aims: This randomized controlled intervention study aimed to compare the effects of a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and a salt-free diet on blood pressure in hypertension patients. Methods: This study was conducted with 60 patients with primary hypertension. One group (n=30) was given an individualized DASH diet, the other group was given a salt-free diet (n=30), and the participants were followed for two months. The patients' blood pressures were monitored daily throughout the study, and their biochemical parameters were monitored at the beginning of the study, in the first and second months.

This study, which was planned as a randomized controlled intervention study, was conducted to compare the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and salt-free diet on blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The study was complited with the participation of 60 hypertensive individuals (46 females, 14 males) who applied to between July 2019 and March 2020. Patients with hypertension who were living in Kayseri province, at least elementary school graduate, in the 20-65 age group, able to communicate with the researcher face to face and by phone, diagnosed with hypertension at least 4 weeks ago, and whose medication did not change were included in the study. One group (n = 30) received the DASH diet and the other group received a salt-free diet (n = 30) and was followed for 2 months. Research data was repeated during application with the face-to-face interview method. Research data was collected through a questionnaire containing questions about the sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional habits, chronic diseases, and medications of the individuals. Anthropometric measurements of the patients were made and blood and urine samples were taken. Food consumption frequency was noted, DASH diet compliance scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form were applied.