Effectiveness of a Two-Component Nutritional Strategy for Blood Pressure Control in Individuals with Hypertension Users of a Public Health System: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional strategy based on two components and adapted for the public health system on blood pressure, cardiometabolic features, self-care, qualify of life and diet quality in individuals with hypertension. Methods: NUPRESS was an open-label, parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled clinical trial in which participants at least 21 years with hypertension and poorly controlled blood pressure were randomly assigned (1 : 1 allocation ratio) to either an individualized dietary prescription according to nutritional guidelines (control group, n = 205); or a two-component nutrition strategy, including a goal-directed nutritional counseling and mindfulness techniques (NUPRESS [intervention] group, n = 205). Primary outcomes were SBP (mmHg) after 24 weeks of follow up and blood pressure control, defined as either having SBP more than 140 mmHg at baseline and achieving 140 mmHg or less after follow-up or having SBP 140 mmHg or less at baseline and reducing the frequency of antihypertensive drugs in use after follow-up. Results: In total, 410 participants were randomized and submitted to an intention-to-treat analysis regarding primary outcomes. Both groups decreased blood pressure, but after adjusting for baseline values, there was no significant difference between them on SBP [intervention-control difference: -0.03 (-3.01; 2.94); P = 0.98] nor blood pressure control [odds ratio 1.27 (0.82; 1.97); P = 0.28]. No differences between groups were also detected regarding secondary and tertiary outcomes. Conclusion: There was no difference between a two-component nutritional strategy and an established dietary intervention on blood pressure in participants with hypertension.