The effects of aerobic exercise training on resting blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE

To see the effects of aerobic exercise, on changes in blood pressure, in patients with essential hypertension. A 12-weeks aerobic exercise intervention trial was conducted, to examine the influence of brisk walking on resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, body weight and body mass index in patients with essential hypertension.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven men with stage 1 or 2 essential hypertension (not on antihypertensive medication) participated in the study. The aerobic exercise training protocol consisted of 30 minutes of brisk walking 3 to 5 times per week, at 50% of VO2max on an ergometer cycle. The data were analyzed by comparing exercise responses at baseline and 12-weeks.

RESULTS

Statistically significant decrease in resting systolic [mean +/- SEM, 143.2 +/- 1.4 to 137.5 +/- 1.2 mmHg, mean reduction -5.7 mmHg, p < 0.01] and diastolic [mean +/- SEM, 91.8 +/- 1.0 to 90.4 +/- 0.9 mmHg, the mean reduction -1.4 mmHg] blood pressure were found (p < 0.05). Reduced pulse pressure from baseline value of -3.7 mmHg, (p < 0.01) and mean arterial pressure of -3.4 mmHg (p < 0.01) was noted. No discernible effects on mean body mass index was observed although mean body weights decreased -1.1 kg, (p < 0.05). Brisk walking yielded significant increase in VO2max (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

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.