Cardiovascular Medical Nutrition Therapy Looking at the DASH Trials

Author

Rachel Anne Naegle, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2005

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review the recent medical literature on the effects of the DASH diet principles of increased fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and decreased total and saturated fat; focusing on the intent to implement this dietary pattern to reduce hypertension, and thus to reduce cardiovascular disease.

FINDINGS: The combination diet reduced systolic by 5.5 mm Hg, and diastolic by 3.0 mm Hg as compared to the control diet (P<0.001 for each) (5, 7, 8). When comparing the two diet variables, the combination diet reduced systolic blood pressure 2.7 mm Hg, and diastolic 1.9 mm Hg more than the fruits-and-vegetables diet, (all with a P<0.001)! The results of the DASH-sodium (DASH II), proved also to substantially lower blood pressure when used with the combination diet.

CONCLUSION: Even though the DASH-sodium diet did decrease blood pressure, there is no scientific background to recommend this to all populations, and that instead of focusing attention on reducing sodium, efforts should be placed on increasing sources of micronutrients to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Recommended Citation

Naegle, Rachel Anne, "Cardiovascular Medical Nutrition Therapy Looking at the DASH Trials" (2005). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 776.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/776