Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification for Patients With Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification for Patients With Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Intensivierte Ernährungs- Und Lebensstilmodifikation Bei Patienten Mit Bluthochdruck Und Kardiometabolischer Risikokonstellation. Eine Zweizentrische Randomisiert-kontrollierte Interventionsstudie über 6 Monate

Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany, Charite University, Berlin, Germany, University of Witten/Herdecke

Different forms of diet, e.g. Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, or fasting, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing elevated blood pressure. Moreover, Mediterranean diet, and fasting seem to be effective in improving insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Further, studies on meditation or mindfulness-based interventions have shown positive effects in patients with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification, this is a combination of diet, exercise, and stress management, have improved coronary atherosclerosis. However, no studies have yet investigated the effects of Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification in patients with metabolic syndrome and/or in combination with fasting therapy. This study is supported by a grant from the Corona-Foundation, Germany.

Fasting (1st week), followed by: Vegetarian and modified DASH diet (plant-based, low-salt) Aerobic exercise Stress reduction techniques: progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga

Modified DASH (vegetarian focused, plant-based, low-salt) Aerobic exercise Stress reduction techniques: progressive muscle relaxation

Inclusion Criteria: Hypertension or antihypertensive medication or subclinical atherosclerosis Metabolic syndrome Basic mobility Exclusion Criteria: Diabetes type 1 Insulin bolus therapy Coronary artery disease Myocardial infarct, pulmonary embolism, or stroke within the past 3 months Heart failure Peripheral vascular disease Chronic kidney disease Eating disorder Dementia Other severe internal disease

Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen

Maifeld A, Bartolomaeus H, Lober U, Avery EG, Steckhan N, Marko L, Wilck N, Hamad I, Susnjar U, Mahler A, Hohmann C, Chen CY, Cramer H, Dobos G, Lesker TR, Strowig T, Dechend R, Bzdok D, Kleinewietfeld M, Michalsen A, Muller DN, Forslund SK. Fasting alters the gut microbiome reducing blood pressure and body weight in metabolic syndrome patients. Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 30;12(1):1970. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22097-0.