CHS CHS Lifestyle Modifications & Non-Pharmacological Interventions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to JNC guidelines, which dietary approach is most strongly recommended as a first-line non-pharmacological intervention for hypertension?
- DASH diet (Correct answer)
- Ketogenic diet
- Mediterranean diet
- Atkins diet
Correct answer: DASH diet
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is the most evidence-based dietary intervention specifically recommended by JNC guidelines for lowering blood pressure.
Question 2: What is the recommended maximum daily sodium intake for adults with hypertension according to the American Heart Association?
- 2,300 mg
- 1,500 mg (Correct answer)
- 3,000 mg
- 1,000 mg
Correct answer: 1,500 mg
The AHA recommends limiting sodium to no more than 1,500 mg per day for individuals with hypertension to achieve optimal blood pressure reduction.
Question 3: Which type of aerobic exercise frequency is most recommended for hypertensive patients as part of lifestyle modification?
- Once weekly for 60 minutes
- At least 3–5 days per week for 30–60 minutes (Correct answer)
- Daily for 15 minutes only
- Twice weekly for 90 minutes
Correct answer: At least 3–5 days per week for 30–60 minutes
Guidelines recommend moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 3–5 days per week for 30–60 minutes to achieve meaningful blood pressure reductions.
Question 4: How much can blood pressure be expected to decrease on average with each kilogram of weight lost in overweight hypertensive patients?
- 5–10 mmHg
- 1–2 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 3–4 mmHg
- 10–15 mmHg
Correct answer: 1–2 mmHg
Research consistently shows that blood pressure decreases approximately 1–2 mmHg per kilogram of weight lost in overweight hypertensive individuals.
Question 5: What is the recommended maximum alcohol consumption per day for men with hypertension to reduce cardiovascular risk?
- No more than 2 standard drinks (Correct answer)
- No more than 4 standard drinks
- No more than 1 standard drink
- Alcohol is fully prohibited
Correct answer: No more than 2 standard drinks
Current guidelines recommend that men with hypertension limit alcohol to no more than 2 standard drinks per day, as excess alcohol raises blood pressure.
Question 6: Which stress-reduction technique has the strongest evidence base for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients?
- Transcendental meditation (Correct answer)
- Aromatherapy
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
Correct answer: Transcendental meditation
Transcendental meditation has the strongest clinical evidence among stress-reduction techniques for producing meaningful reductions in blood pressure.
According to JNC guidelines, which dietary approach is most strongly recommended as a first-line non-pharmacological intervention for hypertension?