A survey of patterns of nonpharmacologic care for hypertensive patients, including recommendations for their children.

To ascertain current approaches of physicians to nutritional-hygienic management of hypertensive patients and their children, a survey was done among a random sample of Chicago-area generalists, internists, and cardiologists. Thirteen items related to advice for patients; two for their children. Of 713 physicians holding M.D. degrees in the sample, 573 (80%) responded. For hypertensive patients, the great majority of physicians indicated that they advise weight loss, avoidance of salt use at table, no smoking, regular exercise, limitation of alcohol intake, and avoidance of stressful situations. Although 98% advised weight loss, a minority responded positively to reduction of carbohydrate and/or fat intake. Only 25% recommended limiting the salt use of children, and only 19% recommended taking the blood pressure of children of hypertensive patients. These data indicate that the majority of Chicago-area practitioners advocate nutritional-hygienic measures for their hypertensive patients. Only a minority, however, apparently advocate primary preventive approaches for the children of hypertensive patients.