Lifestyle modification advice for lowering or controlling high blood pressure: who's getting it?

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2007 Nov;9(11):850-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-6175.2007.07350.x.

Abstract

Lifestyle modifications (LSMs) are important in hypertension management. Using data from a population-based sample of hypertensive adults (N=28,457), the authors examined variations in reports of receipt of LSM advice by patient characteristics. Most adults (90.3%) with known hypertension reported receiving some type of advice. Exercise advice was reported most frequently (74.6%), followed by advice to reduce salt intake (69.3%), change eating habits (61.9%), and reduce alcohol intake (43.5%). Compared with adults aged 60 years or older, persons aged 18 to 39 years were more likely to report receipt of advice (odds ratio [OR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.81). Overweight persons (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.40-1.93) and obese persons (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.28-3.31) were more likely to report receipt of advice. Persons receiving antihypertensive medication were also more likely to report receiving advice (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.98-2.81). This study demonstrates that older persons, persons not taking antihypertensive medication, and individuals who are not overweight or obese are less likely to report receiving LSM advice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alcohol Drinking / physiopathology
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Pressure / physiology*
  • Diet, Sodium-Restricted
  • Directive Counseling / trends*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Hypertension / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Weight Loss / physiology

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents