The relation between submaximal aerobic exercise improving vascular elasticity through loss of visceral fat and...

Purpose: We sought to observe the effect of submaximal aerobic exercise on abdominal obesity in hypertension patients and to clarify a correlation between blood pressure improvement and visceral fat, along with arterial elasticity. Materials and Methods: According to the treatment plan, the patients were divided into two groups: the combined treatment group and the single drug group. During the training period, the subjects in the combined treatment group performed a 60 min treadmill exercise at 65% of Pmax. PWV was measured using blood pressure pulse-wave detectors before and after treatment. We assessed carotid stiffness and visceral fat area by B‑mode ultrasonography. Results: The 24-h SBP and DBP changed significantly in the two groups in the pre- and post-treatment comparison. Significant statistical differences among SBP and DBP in the two groups of combination therapy and drug therapy after 12 months were demonstrated. Visceral fat area was significantly reduced in the combination therapy group compared to the drug therapy group at the last assessment. Compared with the drug group, arterial compliance in the combination therapy group was higher after treatment. Blood pressure showed significant positive correlation with visceral fat area, PWV, β‑stiffness, Ep, and PWVβ in the combination therapy group. Conclusion: The combination of drug therapy and is more effective than just pursuing single drug treatment of hypertension in patients with abdominal obesity. Submaximal aerobic exercise contributes to anti-hypertension. The main mechanism of anti-hypertension in combination with drug therapy and submaximal aerobic exercise is the improvement of vascular elasticity and decreased central body-fat distribution.