Physical activity and exercise lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension: narrative review of 27 RCTs

Abstract

Regular physical activity (PA) reduces the blood pressure (BP) of individuals with hypertension. The present review analysed the scientific evidence for the BP lowering effect of aerobic PA in 27 randomised controlled studies on individuals with hypertension, and shows that regular medium-to-high-intensity aerobic activity reduces the BP by a mean of 11/5 mm Hg (level of evidence, 3+). In addition, three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on isometric (static) activity showed a BP reduction of similar magnitude in hypertensives; dynamic resistance training may show less effect, as shown in five available RCTs (level of evidence 2+). As both the prevalence of hypertension and physical inactivity are high and increasing in today's society, PA has a great role to play as a single (when indicated) or additive treatment for hypertension. Furthermore, as competitive athletes are getting older, it can be expected that more athletes at different competitive levels will have hypertension. Certain considerations must be applied regarding evaluation and treatment of hypertension in athletes. Eligibility for competitive sports may be affected if target organ damage (TOD) is present; however, an athlete with well-controlled BP, having no additional risk factors or TOD, is eligible for all sports.

Razlike u zdravstvenim pokazateljima kod nogometaša mlađih i starijih od 30 godina / Differences in health indicators in football players younger and older than 30 years

“…Older players also have lower height and lower vital capacity of the lungs, as compared with younger age group. The obtained data are consistent with the available recent fi ndings (Reichert et al, 2009;Hanson and Jones, 2015;Börjesson, 2016;Osei-Bimpong et al, 2007;Assas et al, 2015). More favorable MSH indicators are related to the scope, intensity and continuity of physical activity, which is usually more pronounced in the young adult categories of athletes.…”

“…Stariji su nogometaši niži i imaju manji vitalni kapacitet pluća, u usporedbi s mlađim dobnim skupinama. Dobiveni podaci su u skladu sa dostupnim literaturnim podacima (Reichert i sur., 2009;Hanson i Jones, 2015;Börjesson, 2016;Osei-Bimpong i sur., 2007;Assasi i sur., 2015). Povoljniji MFZ pokazatelji su povezani s obimom, intenzitetom i kontinuitetom fi zičke aktivnosti, koja je uglavnom izraženija u mlađim odraslim kategorijama sportaša.…”

Effect of Theory-Based Training Intervention on Physical Activity and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized Control Trial

“…The observed effect of 9.48/4.51 is similar to the magnitude reported in recent systematic reviews examining the effect of aerobic PA on BP in HTN patients (29,30). In Lee's study based on the SE theory, led to a significant reduction in the systolic BP and no diastolic BP (14).…”

Walking and hypertension: greater reductions in subjects with higher baseline systolic blood pressure following six months of guided walking

“…Regular physical activity reduces blood pressure and has been recommended by American and the European hypertension guidelines (Lemogoum et al, 2003; Corrao et al, 2011). Recent meta-analyses have reported significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure among subjects who followed programs of regular walking (Murtagh et al, 2015; Börjesson et al, 2016). However, previous studies on the effects of aerobic exercise on blood pressure have in most cases included a mix of normotensive and hypertensive subjects (Murtagh et al, 2015; Börjesson et al, 2016).…”

“…Recent meta-analyses have reported significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure among subjects who followed programs of regular walking (Murtagh et al, 2015; Börjesson et al, 2016). However, previous studies on the effects of aerobic exercise on blood pressure have in most cases included a mix of normotensive and hypertensive subjects (Murtagh et al, 2015; Börjesson et al, 2016). This has confounded the ability to analyze in detail the effect of physical activity on hypertension, given that blood pressure reductions appear to be more pronounced in subjects with more severe hypertension (Murtagh et al, 2015; Börjesson et al, 2016).…”