The awareness that a change in lifestyle benefits each patient irrespective of the form of treatment is new. The most important changes involve losing weight, changing eating habits, physical activity, reducing salt intake and a reducing (high) alcohol consumption ([Stoschitzky 2004]).
In addition, a reduction in the associated risks and the reduction in use of blood pressure reducing medication can be expected. Unfortunately the actions listed in Table 1 and their impact cannot simply be accepted without comment, however if they are implemented a reduction of 30 mmHg in the systolic value is possible.
| Action not involving medication | Potential reduction in blood pressure |
| Weight loss | 5–20 mmHg / 10 kg KG |
| Low-fat diet rich in fibre | 8–14 mmHg |
| Physical activity | 4–9 mmHg |
| Reduced salt intake | 2–8 mmHg |
| Reduced alcohol consumption | 2–4 mmHg |
| Sufficient fluid (> 2l / day) | Influence currently only known in principle |
Table: Possible courses of action not involving medication