Hypertension DASH Diet and Salt Free Diet

This study, which was planned as a randomized controlled intervention study, was conducted to compare the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and salt-free diet on blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The study was complited with the participation of 60 hypertensive individuals (46 females, 14 males) who applied to between July 2019 and March 2020. Patients with hypertension who were living in Kayseri province, at least elementary school graduate, in the 20-65 age group, able to communicate with the researcher face to face and by phone, diagnosed with hypertension at least 4 weeks ago, and whose medication did not change were included in the study. One group (n = 30) received the DASH diet and the other group received a salt-free diet (n = 30) and was followed for 2 months. Research data was repeated during application with the face-to-face interview method. Research data was collected through a questionnaire containing questions about the sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional habits, chronic diseases, and medications of the individuals. Anthropometric measurements of the patients were made and blood and urine samples were taken. Food consumption frequency was noted, DASH diet compliance scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form were applied.

Inclusion criteria

• Hypertension at least four weeks prior and had not changed their drug regimen in the previous four weeks
• 20-65 age group
• At least primary school graduate
• Able to express himself verbally
• Volunteer to participate in the dietary intervention
• Able to communicate with the researcher face to face and by phone

Exclusion criteria

• Those with chronic diseases other than cardiovascular diseases (such as Type II diabetes, kidney disease, cancer disease)
• Using alcohol or smoking