The role of exercise in the control of hypertension and cardiovascular risk.

Exercise intervention studies have consistently shown that moderate intensity aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Recent findings also showed that exercise is safe and effective in further lowering blood pressure in treated patients with severe hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. A significant reduction in blood pressure of these patients was achieved even with substantial reduction in antihypertensive medication. In addition, exercise resulted in a significant regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. The safety and efficacy of moderate exercise has significant and positive clinical implications for all hypertensive patients. Reductions in blood pressure via regular exercise can theoretically reduce medication requirements, cost, and medication related side-effects.