Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure

INTERVENTION:

The study was designed as a randomised, placebo controlled cross‐over study with a 2 week washout period. Volunteers consumed a single dose of 500g of Sunraysia Beetroot and Apple Juice in the institute clinic over 5 ‐ 10 minutes. Systolic / diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate was then monitored over the following 24 hours using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. Volunteers were asked to avoid moderate or vigorous physical activity on the day of the trial, but no other restrictions, such as diet, were required of volunteers, either on intervention days or during the washout period.

CONDITION:

Hypertension

PRIMARY OUTCOME:

Change in diastolic blood pressure relative to control using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. Change in systolic blood pressure relative to control using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor.

SECONDARY OUTCOME:

Change in pulse pressure relative to control using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Resting baseline systolic blood pressure greater than 120 mmHg on first day of treatment. No upper limit on systolic blood pressure ‐ hypertensive subjects also eligible