Blood pressure impact of dietary practices using the DASH method: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In order to ascertain the impact of the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on blood pressure (BP), a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were carried out. DASH is advised for lowering BP. Methods: Scopus databases were searched from the beginning of 2024. A total of 579 articles from 2019 to 2023 from PubMed: 15, Scopus: 164 and Crossref: 400. There were 8 articles included in the meta-analysis. Results: Systolic BP (1.29 mmHg to 4.6 mmHg, 95 CI, 2.17, 0.41; P < 0.005) and diastolic BP (0.76 mmHg to 1.1 mmHg, 95 CI, 1.39, 0.13; P < 0.005) were found to be significantly reduced by the DASH diet, while total cholesterol concentrations (5.2 mmol/L; P < 0.005), low-density lipoprotein (8.2 mmol/L; P = 0.03), and high-density lipoprotein increased by 8.2 (P < 0.005) were lowered by 0.9 points. Conclusions: When followed consistently, the DASH diet can reduce BPs systolic and diastolic readings. Trial Registration: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42023494005. © 2025 The Korean Society of Hypertension.