Impact of fatty diets on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and objectives: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with dietary fats playing a critical role in its regulation. While unsaturated fats are associated with blood pressure (BP) reduction, saturated and trans fats may exacerbate hypertension. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of various fatty diets on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and identify dietary patterns most effective for BP management.

Methods and study design: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov (inception to February 2025) identified randomized clinical trials and observational studies assessing dietary fats' effects on BP. Twenty-five studies (n=14,522 participants) met inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed to estimate mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Funnel plots were generated to assess publication bias. Risk of bias was assessed using the RevMan Web tool, and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results: Food-based oil diets significantly reduced SBP and DBP (MD: -18.43 and -12.90 mm Hg). Low-fat and unsaturated fat-enriched diets lowered SBP (-6.91 and -4.46 mm Hg) and DBP (-3.78 and -0.74 mm Hg). The DASH diet had moderate effects (SBP: -3.83, DBP: -2.18 mm Hg). Omega-3 and high-fat diets showed smaller reductions. Saturated fat restriction had minimal impact.

Conclusions: Food-based fatty oil diets had the greatest BP reduction, while low-fat, unsatu-rated fat-enriched, and DASH diets (fat-based variation) showed moderate effects. High-fat and omega-3 diets had smaller impacts, emphasizing diet's role in BP management.