Exercise, A Measure to Lower Blood Pressure and Reduce Other Risks

Abstract

By 1990, exercise had been proven to lower blood pressure, and subsequently the intensity of exercise recommended was lowered from moderate to mild (lactic threshold or 50% maximum oxygen uptake). Exercise is now recommended as a useful measure to lower blood pressure in many guidelines for the management of hypertension. The antihypertensive mechanism is multifactorial involving sympathicolytic as well as diuretic actions through activation of relevant metabolic pathways; that is, decrease in endogenous ouabain-like substance, increase in s-taurine and prostaglandin E and urinary dopamine and kallikrein excretion, etc. Other metabolic changes seem to operate simultaneously, and other risk factors, such as sugar and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance are improved. Prospective epidemiologic study has suggested that a physically active lifestyle will prevent cardiovascular complications.