Weight reduction and sodium restriction in the management of hypertension.

Weight reduction and sodium restriction are highly recommended components of hypertension treatment and may be of particular importance for many elderly patients. The issue for the practitioner is not whether to attempt nonpharmacologic treatment but how to provide effective nonpharmacologic treatment within the constraints that apply. Dietary programs should be individually prescribed and realistic, taking factors such as health status, material coping resources, culture, and personal food preferences into account. Behavioral counseling and adherence enhancement measures are essential aspects of initial and long-term management. When properly designed and implemented, dietary treatment of hypertension in elderly patients is not only feasible but also offers several potential spin-off benefits, which justify the input of time and resources.