The integrated approach to the treatment of hypertension involves the recognition of factors hindering the patient’s healing process, the definition of a path of care that meets the patient’s needs, determining the actual need and timing of a pharmacological intervention. It is therefore necessary to achieve a proper weight by acting on the diet (Mediterranean diet) and on aerobic physical activity (30 minutes walking a day for at least 4 days a week); avoid smoking, alcohol, salt and coffee; use mind-body techniques to adequately manage stress and modify patient’s dysfunctional psycho-emotional factors. In the case of moderate or severe hypertension, it is appropriate to initiate a pharmacological therapy that accompanies the interventions centered on lifestyle.
Keywords: Integrative medicine, phytotherapy, stress, lifestyle, cardiovascular prevention, cardiovascular rehabilitation
Carlo Dal Lin, Raffaele Migliorini, Marco Silvestro, Sabino Iliceto, Francesco Tona, Integrated approach to the treatment of systemic hypertension in "PNEI REVIEW" 2/2017, pp. 91-101, DOI:10.3280/PNEI2017-002009