Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Hypertension is a disease of epidemic proportions especially in industrialized nations, affecting 29% of US adults alone. Despite this, the pathogenesis of primary hypertension is still not completely understood. Epidemiological studies implicated several dietary and other lifestyle-related factors contributing to hypertension development. Extensive published evidence supports the concept that non-pharmacological interventions, more recently referred to as lifestyle modifications, can substantially reduce blood pressure (BP) in both individuals with established hypertension and those with prehypertension. Aim of the study: To compare pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in managements of prehypertensive patients. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine of Medical institute. The ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the ethical committee of the institute prior to starting the study procedure. For the study, we selected 200 patients with mild hypertension, that is, diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg and <100 mmHg and systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg and <160 mmHg from the outpatient department. Participants were randomly grouped into 2 groups, Group 1 and Group 2 with 100 patients in each group. Patients in Group 1 were prescribed Atenelol 50 mg oral tablet to be taken once a day. On the contrary, no drug was prescribed to Group 2 subjects rather they were advised physical exercise such as brisk walking for 50-60 minutes, 3-4 days per week. Results: The mean age of the patients that participated in the study was 39.65 years with age range being 21-60 years. The number of male patients was 113 whereas female patients were 87 in number. The mean age of patients in group 1 was 36.86 years and in group 2 was 33.25 years. In group 1, the number of male patients was 59 and female patients were 41. Similarly, in group 2, the number of male patients was 54 and female patients were 46. At 8 weeks there was significant reduction in the blood pressure as compared to baseline values. The reduced blood pressure at 8 weeks was 122.58/82.58 mmHg and 124.61/82.58 mmHg for group 1 and group 2 respectively. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study we conclude that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are effective for lowering the blood pressure in hypertensive patients. For better results both the methods should be used for patients with hypertension. Keywords: Hypertension, antihypertensive, non-pharmacological management.