Walking away from mortality risk in hypertension: the benefits of exercise

The authors evaluated the association between physical activity and mortality in hypertension.

Both pharmacotherapy (treatment with drugs) and lifestyle modification, which includes engaging in regular physical activity, are recommended for the management of hypertension (high blood pressure). Physical activity has been shown to reduce blood pressure and the risk of mortality (death) in hypertensive populations.

This study aimed to assess the joint association between physical activity, pharmacologic treatment of hypertension and control of blood pressure with mortality risk.  

Records of data from two surveys of a total of 10,665 adults were analyzed. Participants were grouped into 4 main categories; those with treated and controlled hypertension, those with treated and uncontrolled hypertension, those with untreated and uncontrolled hypertension and normotensive (normal blood pressure values). Groups were further subdivided into those who were active or inactive. The average follow-up time was 8.6 years, and 25.8% of participants died throughout the study period.

Being physically active independently reduced the risk of mortality by 29%, while having controlled blood pressure levels independently reduced the risk of mortality by 16%. Controlled blood pressure levels were those below 140/90 mmHg. Being treated with antihypertensive medication was independently associated with a 29% increased risk of mortality.

Compared to adults with hypertension who were physically active and had their hypertension treated and controlled, adults with hypertension who were physically inactive had a higher risk of mortality regardless of their treatment or control status. Normotensive adults who were physically active had an 18% reduced risk of mortality compared to adults with hypertension who were active, treated and controlled. Normotensive adults who were not physically active had the same mortality risks of hypertensive individuals who were active, treated and controlled.

The authors stated that the study demonstrated that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of mortality in adults with hypertension, regardless of treatment or control status.

The development of hypertension or any further diseases after the beginning of the study is unknown.