Effect of Lifestyle Modifications on Blood Pressure and BMI in Overweight or Obese Adults with Primary Hypertension

Author

Mariska Vandenbergh, Valparaiso University

Date of Award

4-17-2020

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Thomas Blodgett

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) and obesity contribute to poor cardiovascular outcomes which can be managed with diet and exercise lifestyle changes. In addition, self-awareness (SA) of eating patterns can be a useful tool to promote adherence to lifestyle changes. The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of lifestyle education, the DASH diet, and tools to increase SA for adult clinic patients who were overweight with hypertension. The REAP and PIH tools were utilized to increase patients’ SA of their diagnosis and current dietary habits. A literature search over five databases was conducted and analyzed thoroughly. National guidelines strongly recommend nonpharmacological interventions for adults who have a BMI >25 and HTN, including weight loss (WL), heart-healthy diet, sodium reduction, and increased physical activity (Whelton, et al., 2018). The literature identified aerobic exercise and the DASH diet as the best options for BP reduction and WL, while increasing participant’s SA allows for a greater sense of self-worth and motivation to follow through with their WL (Jarl, et al., 2014; Kurcharska, et al., 2018). Patients included were recruited from a primary care clinic, 18 years old, had a BMI >25, and diagnosed with HTN. Education about HTN, obesity, the DASH diet, aerobic exercise, and how the REAP and PIH tools can raise SA about eating habits was proved monthly for 3 months. Participants’ scores and demographics were recorded at baseline and at 3-months and were analyzed. Data between the pre- and post-intervention groups were analyzed using paired sample t-tests. The mean pre-intervention and post-intervention scores were analyzed using paired t-tests. No significant difference in BP and BMI was found, however there was a significant increase in PIH and REAP scores. The results demonstrated that a three-month program to reduce blood pressure and BMI may need a longer period of time to be successful. However, there were secondary outcomes that demonstrated increased self-awareness of eating habits and personal knowledge of their disease process.

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Recommended Citation

Vandenbergh, Mariska, "Effect of Lifestyle Modifications on Blood Pressure and BMI in Overweight or Obese Adults with Primary Hypertension" (2020). Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports. 138.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/ebpr/138