The benefits physical activity for patients with hypertension

This study looked at the risks and benefits associated with exercise for patients with hypertension. The authors concluded that the benefits of regular physical activity outweigh the risks and should be recommended for most patients with hypertension. 

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. Lifestyle changes can help to prevent and manage hypertension and prehypertension (where a patient’s blood pressure is slightly above normal). These include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, diet management and increasing physical activities.

There is strong evidence that exercise, in particular, can help to reduce blood pressure levels. There are many different types of exercise and patients should be informed about the most beneficial exercise regimes. Aerobic exercise (such as walking, swimming or ballroom dancing) increases the heart rate and is good for weight loss. Resistance training (such as weight lifting) exercises particular muscles and is more beneficial for increasing strength. 

The authors gathered results from various studies to examine the risks and benefits associated with different types of exercise for patients with hypertension.

The results showed that resistance training had little effect on systolic blood pressure (SDP – pressure when the heart is contracting). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP – pressure when the heart is between beats) was reduced by 3.1 mm Hg as a result of resistance training.

Aerobic exercises led to a decrease of 8.3 mm Hg in SBP for hypertensive patients and 2.1 mm Hg in prehypertensive patients. Male participants saw a greater reduction in SBP and DPB compared to females.

30-60 minutes per week of low to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise showed significant reduction in SBP and DPB. The most significant reduction in blood pressure was seen after 61-90 minutes per week of exercise.

The authors concluded that patients with hypertension should aim to perform moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days. This should be supplemented with resistance training 2-3 times a week.

There was limited information available for the effects of some exercises specific to hypertensive patients. 

Always consult with your physician before beginning a new exercise regime.