Analysis of four non-drug measures in the treatment of arterial hypertension: a literature review

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) can be conceptualized as a chronic degenerative disease of multifactorial nature, in most cases asymptomatic, that fundamentally compromises the balance of the vasodilator and vasoconstrictor systems that maintain the vasomotor tone, leading to a reduction in the lumen of the vessels and damage to the organs they irrigate. In practice, SAH is characterized by an increase in blood pressure levels above what is recommended for a given age group. The objective was to analyze four non-drug measures in the treatment of systemic arterial hypertension which are: dietary control, alcohol control, tobacco control, and physical exercise. This study was based on a bibliographic review in databases and considered systematic review, case report, clinical trial, and included publications in Portuguese and English. SAH is a highly prevalent disease with a high negative social impact. Early identification of hypertensive patients and effective treatment are of great clinical importance. Identification of possibly reversible causes is a fundamental part in the clinical management of these patients. It was concluded that nutritional therapy and lifestyle changes associated with pharmacological therapy can promote benefits in the reduction of systemic blood pressure. Thus, it is of utmost importance to stimulate and make the population aware of the need for adherence to pharmacological antihypertensive treatment along with non-drug therapy, thus contributing to the reduction of morbidity, mortality and health care costs.