Table 1

Baseline characteristics of participants in DASH-Sodium trial (number (percentage) or mean (SD))

CharacteristicControl diet (n=192)DASH diet (n=198)Total (n=390)
Age (years)49 (10)47 (10)48 (10)
Females, n (%)104 (54)118 (60)222 (57)
Race, n (%)
 Caucasian78 (41)81 (41)159 (41)
 African American109 (57)114 (57)223 (57)
 Other5 (3)3 (2)8 (2)
Body mass index (kg/m2)30 (5)29 (5)29.2 (5)
Systolic blood pressure (mm Hg)135 (9)134 (9)135 (9)
Diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg)86 (4)85 (5)86 (4)
Hypertension, n (%)*76 (40)79 (40)155 (40)
Current Smoker, n (%)21 (11)21 (11)42 (11)
  • *Hypertension was defined as an average systolic blood pressure of 140 mm of Hg or an average diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg during the three screening visits.