[Physical activity and the metabolic syndrome].

Hypertension may be accompanied by decreased insulin sensitivity, lipid abnormalities and increased haemostatic risk, all of which, constitute risk factors for coronary artery disease. Modifications of lifestyle, including more physical exercise, are important, and may reduce the coronary risk profile. Physical activity has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce hypertriglyceridemia, improve insulin sensitivity and increase the fibrinolytic capacity. Hypertensive patients should be encouraged to increase physical activity as an adjuvans to both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of high blood pressure.