MEDizzy - You have diagnosed a 42-year-old patient with hypertension.

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Chronic conditions

You have diagnosed a 42-year-old patient with hypertension. He is 5 ft 9 in tall, weighs 230 lb, and admits to poor eating habits, drinking four alcoholic beverages daily, and no regular exercise. Which of the following lifestyle modifications, if instituted, will result in the largest SBP reduction?

ExplanationLifestyle modifications can help to manage hypertension. Weight reduction is beneficial, and SBP can fall up to 4 to 5 mm Hg for each 4 kg of weight lost. A DASH diet can lower blood pressure between 8 and 14 mm Hg. Dietary sodium reduction, increased exercise, and moderation of alcohol can be expected to lower SBP between 3 and 6 mm Hg.