ASSESSING ROLE OF DIETARY AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: High blood pressure is one of the significant risk factors for heart disease across the world. Although pharmacologic therapies are effective, lifestyle and dietary changes have become essential elements in the prevention and management of this condition.

Objective: To determine the success of diet and lifestyle interventions in the control of blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted descriptively at Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar KPK from Jun 2024 to Jun 2025. One hundred and fifty adult hypertensive patients were enrolled. Structured questionnaires and clinical blood pressure were used to measure data. Respondents who claimed lifestyle changes were grouped into adherent and non-adherent.

Results: Sixty percent (90 out of 150) of participants made lifestyle changes, including limiting salt intake, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and exercising regularly. These participants exhibited a significant reduction in blood pressure, with a mean systolic blood pressure of 132.7 ± 8.4 mmHg compared to 142.3 ± 10.2 mmHg in the non-adherent group (p < 0.001). Similarly, diastolic blood pressure was lower in the adherent group (82.1 ± 6.7 mmHg) compared to the non-adherent group (88.9 ± 7.5 mmHg, p < 0.001). Additionally, the adherent group showed improvements in BMI and physical activity levels, with 55% losing at least 1 BMI unit compared to 18% in the non-adherent group, and 64.4% engaging in regular physical activity (≥3 times/week) compared to 21.6% in the non-adherent group.

Conclusion: Life and food habits are essential factors in achieving better control over blood pressure, and therefore, special attention should be given to this aspect in blood pressure management programs.