Rational approaches to the treatment of hypertension: modification of lifestyle measures.

Hypertension is an important health problem. Informative counseling is required for patients to completely understand the importance of non-pharmacologic treatments. Lifestyle changes such as restriction of salt intake, exercise, restriction of alcohol intake, diet, and weight loss are included in all hypertension treatment guidelines. However, serious motivation is required from the patient and the physician to succeed in this. Although the decrease in blood pressure may be limited with these measures, lifestyle modifications should be continued.