Several randomized, well controlled exercise intervention studies have shown that regularly performed aerobic exercise significantly lowers blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. Mild to moderate intensity exercise may be more effective in lowering blood pressure than higher intensity exercises. Three or more sessions per week of 30-60 minutes per session are required to achieve optimal results. Such exercise is also safe and effective in lowering blood pressure in treated patients with severe hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). A significant reduction in blood pressure and LVH regression may be achieved in these patients even with substantial reduction in antihypertensive medication. The safety and efficacy of mild to moderate exercise has positive clinical implications for all hypertensive patients. Exercise induced reductions in resting blood pressure and the prevention of an abnormal rise in blood pressure during physical exertion can lead to fewer cardiovascular events. It may also reduce antihypertensive medication requirements, cost, medication related side effects, and improve quality of life. (c)1999 by Le Jacq Communications, Inc.
Aerobic exercise caused small reductions in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures in men with stage 1 or 2 essential hypertension. A lifestyle change such as exercising, may play a role in reducing the risk of hypertension.
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ziauddin Medical College University, Department of Medicine, Clifton, Karachi [corrected].
Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cardiology and Hypertension Research Clinic, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
…the findings of most recent studies show that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training can lower BP in patients with stage 1 and 2 essential hypertension. The average reduction in BP is 10.5 mm Hg for systolic and 7.6 mm Hg for diastolic BP. The reductions do not appear to be gender- or age-specific. Significant reductions in BP and LVH regression in patients with stage 3 hypertension have also been reported following aerobic exercise training. Resistance training exercise has not consistently shown to significantly lower BP and is not recommended as the only form of exercise for hypertensive patients. The exercise training program for optimal benefits should consist of 3 to 5 times per week, 30 to 60 minutes per session, at 50% to 80% of PMHR. But, exercise programs should be individualized to meet the patient’s needs and abilities. Exercise intensity and duration should be manipulated to promote a safe and effective antihypertensive program. Initially, the exercise intensity should be low and the duration small. Both intensity and duration should progressive increase over a period of weeks until the desired goal, is achieved. The rate of progression must be tailored to meet individual patient needs and abilities. The exercise program for overweight or obese hypertensive patients should aim to promote a caloric expenditure of 300 to 500 Kcal per day and 1000 to 2000 Kcal per week. Such an approach, combined with a prudent diet, is likely to reduce body weight. The mechanisms mediating exercise-induced BP reduction are poorly understood. BP reductions appear to be independent of changes in body weight or body composition. There are also no indications of age- or gender-related differences in BP response to exercise. The use of ambulatory blood pressure measuring devices in exercise studies is not extensive. The few studies available indicate a more moderate reduction in BP than that reported by casual observations.
Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC.