[Diet counseling for hypertensive patients. What measures make sense?].

The leading principles of diet and lifestyle in the treatment of hypertension are identical to those applicable to elevated LDL cholesterol. The following measures or recommendations apply: fewer saturated fatty acids, weight reduction, more exercise, more fruit and vegetables, alcohol--if at all--strictly in moderation, no smoking. Patients with hypertriglyceridemia should give greater preference to vegetables rather than fruits with their higher content of fructose. The effect on the blood pressure is greater the more of these principles are applied. As in the case of blood pressure-lowering drugs, the response of the individual patient to dietary measures also varies considerably. Nevertheless, lifestyle measures should definitely not be dismissed. Rather, the individual principles should be investigated for their efficacy.