Effects of the Intensity of Lifestyle Exercise on Changes in Blood Pressure
Carolyn Harmon Still1, Shirley M Moore2, Abdus Sattar3
1Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the amount of time participants exercised in the target heart rate zone (THRZ) influenced change in blood pressure (BP) one year following a cardiac event. Lifestyle exercise (habitual, small exercise opportunities) and intensity were objectively measured using portable heart rate monitors. Linear mixed models were used to analyze change in BP among 331 participants. Mean BP at baseline was 118/70 mmHg, and both systolic and diastolic BP increased from baseline to one year-4.79 mmHg (p <.001) and 2.09 mmHg (p =.002), respectively. Overall, participants had a decrease in levels of lifestyle exercise. After controlling for time, age, gender, and study group, SBP change was inversely associated with amount of time in THRZ. Given suboptimal engagement in recommended exercise, the underlying mechanisms of lifestyle exercise effects on the time spent in THRZ to reduce BP warrants further study in this population.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Measurement of Blood Pressure


