Aerobic exercise training reduces resting and exertional blood pressure in cardiac patients

We evaluated the effects of exercise training (ET) on resting and exertional blood pressure in patients with cardiac disease. ET consisted of 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity three times weekly for 12 months. The study group comprised 17 males and three females (mean age 58 years, range 40 to 71 years). Blood pressure was evaluated at rest and during exercise after 6 and 12 months ET. A training effect was documented by an increase in functional capacity from 7.5 METs (1 MET = 3.5 mL oxygen consumption/kg/min) pre-ET to 8.8 and 9.2 METs after 6 and 12 months, respectively. The following significant (P less than 0.05) effects occurred on blood pressure in association with ET: resting systolic pressure pre-ET decreased from 131 to 124 mm Hg at 12 months ET; submaximal (50% pre-ET maximum capacity) systolic and diastolic pressures decreased from 150/84 to 142/80 mm Hg (6 months ET) and 144/80 mm Hg (12 months ET); diastolic pressure at maximal exertion fell from 83 to 77 mm Hg (6 months ET) and 78 mm Hg (12 months ET). Systolic blood pressure at maximal exertion was not increased despite significant increases in peak workload achieved at 6 and 12 months ET. Therefore, ET not only enhances functional capacity in cardiac patients but may be associated with a beneficial cardiac effect through attenuation of both rest and exertional blood pressure.