[Nutritional issues in hypertension: useful or useless?].

Abstract

In view of the very efficient pharmacological therapy of hypertension the nonpharmacological strategies are nearly forgotten. Many nutritional strategies are known to reduce blood pressure. In the past single strategies have been implemented with variable success. Salt restriction leads to lowering of blood pressure in salt sensitive individuals. In daily practice the restriction of salt is still the top priority. However, salt restriction alone is often not successful. A change in the whole dietary pattern, i.e. a reasonable restriction of salt intake in combination with an increased potassium intake from food as well as control of body weight has a much higher potential for blood pressure reduction. Potassium rich food is usually low in sodium, in addition potassium has favorable effects on sodium handling (e.g. natriuretic effect of potassium). In addition it is easier to implement a moderate sodium restriction in combination with a higher potassium intake (i.e. a diet rich in fruits and vegetables). Future strategies should focus on a global moderate change in the diet and life style pattern.