The effectiveness of aerobic exercise for hypertensive population: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different durations of aerobic exercise on hypertensive patients. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched from their inception until July 2018. English publications and randomized controlled trials involving aerobic exercise treatment for hypertensive population were included. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. The Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. In this systematic review, a total of 14 articles were included, involving 860 participants. The quality of the included studies ranged from moderate to high. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that compared with the control group, significant effects of aerobic exercise were observed on reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) (mean difference [MD] = −12.26 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −15.17 to −9.34, P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (DBP; MD = −6.12 mm Hg, 95% CI = −7.76 to −4.48, P < 0.05), and heart rate (MD = −4.96 bpm, 95% CI = −6.46 to −3.43, P < 0.05). In addition, significant reductions were observed in ambulatory DBP (MD = −4.90 mm Hg, 95% CI = −8.55 to −1.25, P < 0.05) and ambulatory SBP (MD = −8.77mm Hg, 95% CI = −13.97 to −3.57, P < 0.05). Therefore, aerobic exercise might be an effective treatment for blood pressure improvement in hypertensive patients. However, the effectiveness between the duration of different treatment needs to be well‐designed and rigorous studies will be required to verify the dataset.

The impact of changes in population blood pressure on hypertension prevalence and control in China

“…China has initiated efforts to reduce dietary salt and to improve hypertension control clinically . Other interventions, such as attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and low‐risk alcohol consumption, are also effective in reducing blood pressure (Table) …”

“…2,7 Other interventions, such as attaining and maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and low-risk alcohol consumption, are also effective in reducing blood pressure (Table1). 5,[8][9][10][11][12] In this study, we examine the potential impact of population interventions to reduce blood pressure on changes in prevalence and control of hypertension using data from a population-based survey from China. We have examined both increases and decreases in blood pressure within the range expected from various degrees control.…”

Metabolic health and lifestyle medicine should be a cornerstone of future pandemic preparedness

“…77 Beyond that, both resistance training (and resulting improvements in strength and muscle mass) and aerobic exercise are associated with reduced risk of obesity, hypertension, metabolic disease, and survival after critical illness. [78][79][80][81][82] Lifestyle medicine also has significant scope to improve sleep quantity and quality, both of which are associated with immune function and overall mortality. [83][84][85][86] Initiatives such as group consultations and social prescribing can even help to tackle loneliness and social isolation, which are associated with both altered inflammatory processes and increased mortality.…”

“…Simple walking is also associated with decreased mortality that plateaus around 10 000 steps per day 77 . Beyond that, both resistance training (and resulting improvements in strength and muscle mass) and aerobic exercise are associated with reduced risk of obesity, hypertension, metabolic disease, and survival after critical illness 78‐82 . Lifestyle medicine also has significant scope to improve sleep quantity and quality, both of which are associated with immune function and overall mortality 83‐86 .…”

The possibility that long‐term isometric handgrip exercise contributes to left atrial enlargement in patients with hypertension

“…Non‐pharmacological intervention including exercise remains a necessary part of treatment for all patients with hypertension 1 . American Heart Association guidelines 2 recommended isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) and aerobic exercise, each of which decreased blood pressure (BP) at rest 3,4 . However, there is a concern that increased BP and heart rate during IHG may contribute to cardiac overload 4 .…”