Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria of Each Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
| RCT | Inclusion Criteria | Exclusion Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| BP = blood pressure; BMI = body mass index; ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme. | ||
| Appel et al14 | Persons not taking antihypertensive medication who had a systolic BP of 120–159 mm Hg and diastolic BP of 80–95 mm Hg Age ≥ 25 y BMI of 18.5–45.0 kg/m2 | Regular use of drugs that affect BP Renal damage and/or diabetes Use of weight-loss medications Previous cardiovascular event Congestive heart failure Angina Cancer diagnosis or treatment in past 2 y Consumption of alcoholic drinks > 2 L/wk Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or lactation |
| Hansson et al15 | Age 50–80 y Hypertension and diastolic BP between 100 mm Hg and 115 mm Hg | None reported |
| Wing et al16 | Age 65–84 y | Any life-threatening illness |
| Free of hypertensive drugs for ≥ 1 wk before study-entry visits | Contraindication to ACE inhibitor or diuretic | |
| Systolic BP of ≥ 160 mm Hg or diastolic BP of ≥ 90 mm Hg (if systolic BP was ≥140 mm Hg) | Plasma creatinine concentration >2.5 mg/dL Malignant hypertension | |
| Absence of cardiovascular events within previous 6 mo | Dementia | |
| ALLHAT study17 | Age ≥55 y Stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension At least 1 additional risk factor for coronary heart disease | History of hospitalized or treated symptomatic heart failure and/or known left ventricular ejection fraction of < 35% |
| Sacks et al18 | Age ≥22 y Average systolic BP of 120–159 mm Hg and average BP of 80–95 mm Hg | Heart disease Renal insufficiency Poorly controlled hyperlipidemia or diabetes mellitus Diabetes requiring insulin Special dietary requirements Intake of alcoholic drinks > 14/wk Use of antihypertensive drugs or other medications that would affect BP or nutrient metabolism |