STUDENT: Rhiannon Berghauser

PROJECT ADVISOR: Milton Evans

ABSTRACT

African Americans are adversely affected by hypertension more than other demographics in the country. The condition is accompanied by poor health outcomes and high morbidity and mortality rates. Lifestyle modifications such as smoking and alcohol cessation, regular physical exercises, a healthy diet, and weight management have been suggested as alternative interventions that have a positive impact in controlling high blood pressure and facilitating better health outcomes among hypertensive patients. The purpose of this project is to review literature that evaluates evidence-based practices on lifestyle modifications for hypertension. From the literature, there was a positive impact on high blood pressure control among patients diagnosed as hypertensive who engaged in lifestyle modifications for about a year. Some of the modifications that revealed high efficacy included physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, reduced salt intake, smoking, and alcohol cessation, weight management, and consumption of diets rich in fruits and vegetables. The literature provides evidence that lifestyle changes can help hypertensive African Americans manage blood pressure and achieve better health outcomes. The adoption of such lifestyle modifications will reduce the health disparity concerning hypertension and cardiovascular diseases between African Americans and other races. Clinicians and nurses should recommend lifestyle modifications as a primary care element to manage hypertension.