Effect of DASH Diet and Acupuncture on Hypertension in Postmenopausal Women

Background: Nearly two-thirds of older women suffer from cardiovascular disease, which is most commonly caused by hypertension. Purpose: To examine the combined effect of a dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet and acupuncture on postmenopausal hypertension. Methods: Forty-five postmenopausal women suffering from hypertension participated in the study. They were randomly divided into three equal groups (A, B & C): Group A received the DASH diet and antihypertensive medications, Group B received acupuncture and antihypertensive medications, and Group C received the DASH diet, acupuncture, and antihypertensive medications. All women were assessed before and after the intervention using a mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope to measure their blood pressure level and an SF-36 questionnaire to evaluate their quality of life. Results: A significant improvement in all assessed outcomes in all groups post-treatment compared to baseline was detected (p<0.05). Significant changes post-treatment was detected across three groups in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p<0.05). The post hoc test indicated a significant change in the mean value of SBP, DBP, and MAP between groups B and C in favor of group C. Also, no statistically significant change in the mean values of all SF-36 questionnaire items was found across three groups post-treatment except in the role limitation due to physical health, vitality, and general health items, with superiority of group C. Conclusion: Adding a DASH diet to acupuncture provided a better reduction of blood pressure and enhanced quality of life in hypertensive postmenopausal women.