In a nutshell
The study looked at the link between fitness levels and risk of mortality in males over the age of 70 with hypertension. The authors concluded that better fitness levels can significantly reduce risk of mortality from all causes.
Some background
Patients with hypertension have a higher resting blood pressure than the body needs. The blood pressure needs to be lowered to avoid complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
The risk of hypertension often increases with age. Exercise is commonly recommended for the management of hypertension. Low-to-moderate intensity exercise can significantly increase fitness and lower the risk of progression of hypertension. Maintaining good fitness levels can become more difficult as a patient gets older. Other health conditions, such as obesity, that are common in patients with hypertension may affect the ability to exercise sufficiently.
Methods & findings
The authors examined the link between fitness levels and risk of mortality in 2,153 men with hypertension. All men were aged 70 years or older. Patients were divided according to their fitness level: very-low-fit, low-fit, moderate-fit, and high-fit. The number of mortalities in each fitness group was recorded over 9 years.
1,039 men died during the study period. Mortality risk decreased as fitness levels went up. When compared to the very-low-fit, risk of mortality was 18% lower in the low-fit, 36% lower in the moderate fit, and 48% lower in the high-fit.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that higher fitness levels and ability to exercise can decrease the risk of mortality in older males with hypertension.
The fine print
This study did not take into account other health conditions that may have been diagnosed in the follow-up period that could have contributed to mortality rates in each group.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician for before beginning a new exercise program.
Published By :
Hypertension
Date :
May 12, 2014
