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

The associations of lifestyle and environment with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease have recently resulted in increased attention in research. This study aimed to examine interactive associations among carbohydrate and fat intake, physical environment (i.e., elevation and humidity), lifestyle, and MetS among Ecuadorian adults. We used data from the Ecuador National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT-ECU), with a total of 6023 participants aged 20 to 60 years included in this study. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of status of carbohydrate and fat intake, low-carbohydrate high-fat diet (LCHF) and medium-carbohydrate and fat (MCF) diet with MetS, where the high-carbohydrate low-fat (HCLF) diet was used as a reference. Women with LCHF and MCF diets showed lower prevalence of increased blood pressure (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19–0.59; OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32–0.79, respectively). Women with MCF diet also showed lower prevalence of elevated fasting glucose (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37–0.91). Moreover, there were negative associations between MetS and reduced HDL cholesterol in women with MCF diet residing in low relative humidity (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45–0.98) and in women with LCHF diet residing at a high elevation (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16–0.86). Additionally, higher prevalence of increased waist circumference was observed in men with both MFC and LCHF diets who were physically inactive (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.12–3.20; OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.19–4.60, respectively) and residing in high relative humidity (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.08–2.89; OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.32–5.28, respectively). Our findings suggest that LCHF intake is associated with lower blood pressure, while MCF intake is associated with lower blood pressure and fasting glucose in Ecuadorian women. Furthermore, the associations of carbohydrate and fat intake with prevalence of MetS can be modified by physical activity, relative humidity, and elevation. The obtained outcomes may provide useful information for health programs focusing on dietary intake and lifestyle according to physical environment of the population to promote health and prevent metabolic diseases.

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Weight loss and mild physical activity improve small and large arterial elasticity and lower blood pressure in obese patients

American Journal of Hypertension ◽

10.1016/j.amjhyper.2005.03.427 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. A154-A154

Author(s):

Y GOLDBERG ◽

M SHARGORODSKY ◽

D GAVISH ◽

R ZIMLICHMAN

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Arterial Elasticity ◽

Obese Patients ◽

Lower Blood Pressure ◽

Lower Blood

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The physician's role in prescribing physical activity for the prevention and treatment of essential hypertension

JRSM Cardiovascular Disease ◽

10.1258/cvd.2012.012012 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

John H M Brooks ◽

Albert Ferro

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Peripheral Resistance ◽

Pressure Control ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Lower Blood Pressure ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Physical Activity Advice ◽

Lower Blood ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Blood pressure control and prevention of hypertension can be achieved by both pharmacological and lifestyle interventions; one important lifestyle intervention is physical activity. Participation in regular physical activity can modestly lower blood pressure by reducing total peripheral resistance; it can also reduce the risk of developing hypertension and improve morbidity and mortality outcomes. Therefore, physical activity is a recommended intervention for the majority of hypertensive or prehypertensive patients. The precise level of physical activity required to lower blood pressure is unknown; however, in the UK, national minimum physical activity guidelines would seem appropriate for most hypertensives. Current patient physical activity levels can be assessed easily using retrospective recall questionnaires; preparticipation screening and exercise modifications for high-risk patients may reduce the risk of adverse events during subsequent exercise; and identification of a patient's willingness to increase physical activity levels may help to tailor physical activity advice. Health professional counselling or advice on physical activity is currently the most effective researched intervention. Its success can be maximized by delivering physical activity advice and counselling multiple times using different health professionals in person or over the telephone and by offering additional written materials. While the most effective methods for increasing physical activity levels in patients are probably still unclear, physical activity is an advisable intervention for the majority of hypertensive patients.

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