According to a study presented at a meeting of the American Society of Hypertension, a low-salt, low-fat diet, combined with high amounts of fruits and vegetables, is as effective as taking medication prescribed to lower hypertension. The study focused on more than 400 individuals who had either hypertension or normal to high blood pressure (above 120/80). A portion of participants were asked to maintain their regular diet, while others were asked to partake of the medically prescribed diet. Those who ate the special diet lowered their blood pressure. Although, all who followed the diet showed an overall reduction in blood pressure levels, results were greater in those with hypertension than in those with normal to high blood pressure.