Physical Activity and the Prevention of Hypertension

Abstract

As the worldwide prevalence of hypertension continues to increase, the primary prevention of hypertension has become an important global public health initiative. Physical activity is commonly recommended as an important lifestyle modification that may aid in the prevention of hypertension. Recent epidemiologic evidence has demonstrated a consistent, temporal, and dose-dependent relationship between physical activity and the development of hypertension. Experimental evidence from interventional studies have further confirmed a relationship between physical activity and hypertension as the favorable effects of exercise on blood pressure reduction have been well characterized in recent years. Despite the available evidence strongly supporting a role for physical activity in the prevention of hypertension, many unanswered questions regarding the protective benefits of physical activity in high-risk individuals, the factors that may moderate the relationship between physical activity and hypertension, and the optimal prescription for hypertension prevention remain. We review the most recent evidence for the role of physical activity in the prevention of hypertension and discuss recent studies that have sought to address these unanswered questions.

Effects of a short Cardiovascular Rehabilitation program in Hypertensive subjects: A Pilot Study

“…Most studies have shown that physical activity may reduce high levels of arterial blood pressure in hypertensive subjects [21]. However, in the present study this reduction did not found.…”

“…Epidemiological studies have revealed an association between low level of physical activity and the presence of hypertension. Furthermore, randomized clinical trials and meta-analyzes have con irmed that regular exercise can reduce blood pressure levels, improve quality of life, and interfere positively in the cardiovascular risk factors [3].…”

The impact of changes in leisure time physical activity on changes in cardiovascular risk factors: results from The Finnmark 3 Study and SAMINOR 1, 1987–2003

“…The American College of Sports Medicine recommends dynamic aerobic endurance training for at least 30 min daily to prevent hypertension [31], and randomized control studies repeatedly show that exercise reduces SBP and DBP [32]. There seems to be strong evidence for an effect of physical activity interventions on blood pressure not only among hypertensive but also among normotensive and prehypertensive individuals [33]. However, in our study we found no association between change in leisure time physical activity and blood pressure.…”

The Promise of Selecting Individuals from the Extremes of Exposure in the Analysis of Gene-Physical Activity Interactions

“…Physical activity (PA) significantly reduces blood pressure (BP) in individuals with hypertension (high BP) and reduces the risk of incident hypertension in individuals with normal BP [1]. However, this influence has been shown to be modulated by genetic variants such that certain subpopulations do not experience the antihypertensive benefits of PA [2].…”