Effect of diet and exercise on blood pressure control

Blood pressure is strongly associated with body weight. Up to 60% of hypertensive patients are considered overweight. Among lifestyle interventions tested for blood pressure control, weight loss is by far the most effective. In the Hypertension Optimal Treatment (HOT). Study, older patients with Stage II-IV hypertension are treated. The Weight Loss Substudy of HOT, a prospective, randomized study, is examining the effectiveness of a weight loss regimen in reducing the amount of medication required to achieve goal blood pressure. Data from this substudy will be presented demonstrating that weight reduction is helpful in reducing the amount of medication required to achieve goal blood pressure in older patients with more severe forms of hypertension.