Nonpharmacological approaches in the management of hypertension.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to discuss the holistic evaluation of the hypertensive patient and review evidence-based nonpharmacological treatments to help patients achieve maximum therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects.

DATA SOURCES

Health sciences literature was reviewed using the following databases: Medline, PubMed, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension remains a major public health problem, affecting 65 million Americans and contributing to excess morbidity, mortality, and indirect and direct healthcare costs. Improving clinical outcomes will reduce human suffering as well as the economic burden associated with this disease. Nonpharmacological strategies are recommended as successful primary and adjunctive treatment options for lowering blood pressure. Moreover, the benefits of many of these approaches extend to and promote overall health and well-being.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurse practitioners who incorporate nonpharmacological options in the management of hypertension can improve clinical outcomes.