Nutrition and hypertension: what are the goals?]

The dependence of blood pressure on nutritional factors is reviewed in the light of possible therapeutic consequences. Salt restriction, increased administration of potassium, restriction of alcohol intake, weight loss and prescription of fish-oil are discussed by review of own and published data. All these measures may contribute to a reduction of hypertension although to a variable extent. They should be envisaged as therapeutic alternatives to drugs in mild hypertension.