Physical activity in human hypertension. A mechanisms approach.

The concept of treating hypertension without medication is seen as an attractive alternative to the problems that can arise with the use of drug therapy. Weight loss, salt restriction, relaxation therapy, and exercise have been the non-pharmacological treatments for hypertension. The role of long term exercise in lowering resting arterial pressure in hypertension, and its use as a non-drug therapy have been studied. Epidemiological studies of athletic ability, occupation, and leisure-time activities have provided equivocal findings and the effect of training on chronic high blood pressure of hypertensives is still unclear. Further well-controlled studies (with respect to training intensities, weight loss, concurrent hypotensive medication, salt restriction, and hypertensive classification), with an emphasis on elucidating the physiological mechanisms involved, are required so that the contribution of exercise to hypertensive therapy can be determined.