What to do for blood pressure in the "grey zone", 120–139/80–89 mm? Try DASH diet

Dr. Nissen from the Cleveland Clinic recommends to try the DASH diet. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet based on high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains, and low intake of sodium, sweetened beverages, and red and processed meats.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been shown to lower blood pressure, but little is known about its long-term effect on cardiovascular end points. In this 2008 study, adherence to the DASH-style diet was associated with a lower risk of CHD and stroke among middle-aged women during 24 years of follow-up.

This is a suggested mnemonic:

DASH
Diet
Decreases risk of CAD and CVA

Dr. Nissen also talks about the new blood pressure guidelines – what do you do with patients in the grey zone and the principles of blood pressure management



References:

DASH-Style Diet Reduces Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke in Women. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(7):713-720.

Disclaimer: I am an Allergist/Immunologist at Cleveland Clinic.