Low frequency regular exercise improves flow-mediated dilatation of subjects with mild hypertension

Although exercise is recommended for the primary prevention of hypertension, and although it is generally known to have a beneficial effect on endothelial function, working individuals often find it difficult to maintain a consistent exercise regimen. In the present study, therefore, we examined the effects of infrequently performed exercise on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), which is an index of endothelial function, in 15 subjects with hypertension (mild hypertensives) and 10 normotensive subjects (normotensives). All subjects performed mild bicycle exercise twice a week for 12 weeks. To assess the FMD, the diameter of the brachial artery was measured using ultrasound at baseline, during reactive hyperemia, and following sublingual administration of nitroglycerin. Measurement of these parameters was performed twice, at the beginning and the end of the exercise program. At the baseline, FMD was significantly lower in the mild hypertensives than in the normotensives. Nitroglycerin-mediated dilatation (NTG-D) was similar in the two groups. The exercise decreased blood pressure in the mild hypertensives, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in both groups. The exercise improved FMD without altering NTG-D in the mild hypertensives, but did not result in any change in the normotensives. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the elevation in FMD was positively associated with changes in HDL cholesterol, and negatively associated with changes in plasma norepinephrine and systolic blood pressure. These findings suggest that regular exercise at a low frequency improves FMD, and thereby endothelial function, and lowers blood pressure in mild hypertensives.