ABSTRACT
Prevention and treatment of hypertension over the last 50 years have improved dramatically as a result of numerous therapeutic advances. But lifestyle modi cations remain a cornerstone in the approach to patients with prehypertension or established hypertension. Nonpharmacologic interventions lower blood pressure (BP) and reduce the incidence of hypertension. Ample evidence af rms the favorable effects of dietary patterns, sodium restriction, exercise and weight loss, and other lifestyle changes on BP. However, the response of BP to lifestyle modi cations may be in uenced by unique biological factors. Many of these features are well studied and are easily identi ed in patients (e.g., age, race, body weight); others, such as genetic factors, are still evolving. Since the impact of lifestyle changes on BP is in uenced by acceptance and adherence, a focus on biological factors may allow clinicians to target interventions on individuals who are most likely to bene t.
