[Lifestyle modification in the management of hypertension].

Hypertension is the most common lifestyle related disease in Japan. Among the lifestyle modifications, salt restriction is most important especially in Japanese hypertensive patients. Although Japanese as well as international guidelines recommend the restriction of salt intake less than 6 g/day, very few Japanese hypertensive patients are able to achieve this goal. Other lifestyle modifications include the increased intake of vegetables and fruits, maintenance of appropriate body weight, regular exercise, the restriction of alcohol intake and cessation of smoking. It is emphasized that comprehensive lifestyle modification is more effective. Since the long-term compliance of lifestyle modification is difficult, a strategy to promote lifestyle modification by encouraging individual subject should be established.