Management of Hypertension Using Intensive Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes and Behavioural Modifications: A Case ReportManagement of Hypertension Using Intensive Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes and Behavioural Modifications: A Case Report

Abstract

Lifestyle-related factors such as diet, physical activity, stress management, and sleep, among others, are very important in preventing and treating hypertension. These factors have been recognized by the World Health Organization, the Joint National Committee, and other bodies as the first line, with or without medications, in managing hypertension. Although these factors are well known to both patients and medical personnel, this knowledge has not fully translated into the practice of healthy lifestyle choices. Therefore, there is a need for behavioural interventions like motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and positive psychology (PP) to help an individual effect and sustain a lifestyle change. This case describes a 35-year-old man with hypertension, overweight, truncal obesity, and chronic stress. He was commenced on lifestyle interventions, which included MI, CBT, and PP, to get him to the action phase in the Trans-Theoretical Stage of Change (TTSC). These changes spanned his diet and nutrition, sleep, and physical activity profiles. He was also commenced on S-amlodipine 5mg dose. After seven weeks of intervention, he was taken off the antihypertensive following low blood pressure readings. He also lost 8 kg of weight after 12 weeks with a reduced abdominal circumference. It is concluded that reversal of hypertension is achievable with Intensive Lifestyle Modification. Behavioural interventions like MI, CBT, and PP are essential for developing and sustaining lifestyle modifications.