Posted by Medivizor on Aug 22, 2016 in Hypertension |
In a nutshell
This study looked at the effect of aerobic exercise on blood pressure and blood flow in patients with resistant hypertension. The authors concluded that light and moderate intensity aerobic exercise can improve blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension.
Some background
Patients with hypertension need to lower their blood pressure to avoid complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Resistant hypertension, where blood pressure is consistently higher than 140/90 mm Hg, usually requires treatment with three or more drugs. Intense treatment with drugs can cause unwanted side-effects. Alternative treatments for resistant hypertension are therefore being sought.
Lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, weight reduction, and dietary changes are often advised for the management of hypertension. Exercise has proven particularly effective in lowering blood pressure in less severe cases of hypertension. The benefits of exercise for patients with resistant hypertension are still being investigated.
Methods & findings
20 patients with resistant hypertension were included in this study. All patients participated in 3 separate exercise sessions, in a random order. The average time between exercise sessions was 7 days. During the light intensity exercise session, patients performed 45 minutes of cycling at 50% of their maximum capability. Moderate exercise involved 45 minutes of cycling at 75% maximum capability. Both active exercise sessions were compared to a control session involving no active exercise. Blood pressure was measured at various time points for up to 19 hours after each session.
Overall, both exercise intensities significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP – pressure when the heart is contracting) compared to the control session. SBP was reduced at 5 hours (by 7.7 mmHg) and at 10 hours (by 3.8 mmHg) after light intensity exercise. Moderate exercise significantly reduced SBP (by 9.4 mmHg) at 5 hours, but not at 10 hours.
Only light intensity exercise was associated with significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (DBP – pressure when the heart is between beats). DBP was reduced at 5 hours (by 5.7 mmHg), 10 hours (by 4 mmHg), and 19 hours (by 4.8 mmHg) after light intensity exercise.
Blood flow rate decreased 50 minutes after light intensity exercise and after the control session. Any decrease seen in the moderate intensity group did not last longer than 2 minutes.
The bottom line
Authors concluded that a single session of light or moderate exercise can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. Benefits lasted longer following light intensity exercise.
The fine print
The number of patients included in this study was very small and further investigation is needed.
Published By :
Journal of hypertension
Original Title :
Effects of aerobic exercise intensity on ambulatory blood pressure and vascular responses in resistant hypertension: a crossover trial.
