Table 4.

ACC/AHA Guideline-Directed Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment and Prevention of Hypertension^a,1

ACC/AHA COR/LOE	Nonpharmacologic intervention	Dose	Approximate impact on SBP
			Hypertension (mm Hg)	Normotension (mm Hg)
1-A: Physical activity	Aerobic	•90-150 min/wk •65%-75% heart rate reserve	−5 to 8	−2 to 4
	Dynamic resistance	•90-150 min/wk •50%-80% 1 rep maximum •6 exercises, 3 sets/exercise, 10 repetitions/set	−4	−2
	Isometric resistance	•4 × 2 minutes (hand grip), 1-min rest between exercises, 30%-40% maximum voluntary contraction, 3 sessions/wk •8-10 wk	−5	−4
1-A: Moderation in alcohol intake	Alcohol consumption	In individuals who drink alcohol, reduce alcoholb to: •Men: ≤2 drinks daily •Women: ≤1 drink daily	−4	−3
1-A: Weight loss	Weight/body fat	Best goal is ideal body weight, but aim for at least a 1-kg reduction in body weight for most adults who are overweight. Expect about 1 mm Hg for every 1-kg reduction in body weight	−5	−2 to 3
1-A: Healthy diet	DASH dietary pattern	Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, with reduced content of saturated and total fat	−11	−3
1-A: Reduced intake of dietary sodium	Dietary sodium	Optimal goal is <1500 mg/d, but aim for at least a 1000-mg/d reduction in most adults	−5 to 6	−2 to 3
1-A: Enhanced intake of dietary potassium	Dietary potassium	Aim for 3500-5000 mg/d, preferably by consumption of a diet rich in potassium	−4 to 5	−2

^aAbbreviations: ACC, American College of Cardiology; AHA, American Heart Association; COR, class of recommendation; LOE, level of evidence; oz, ounces; SBP, systolic blood pressure.

^bIn the United States, one “standard” drink contains roughly 14 g of pure alcohol, which is typically found in 12 oz of regular beer (usually about 5% alcohol), 5 oz of wine (usually about 12% alcohol), and 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (usually about 40% alcohol).