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Updated: May 22, 2025

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
Published on: April 27, 2016
Effect of aerobic exercise on endothelial function in hypertensive and prehypertensive patients: a systematic review
Cui Li1,2, Shang Wu3, Bingkai Lei4
1School of Physical Education (Main Campus).
Abstract:
Our objective was to explore the effect of aerobic exercise on endothelial function in hypertensive and prehypertensive patients, and to ascertain the optimal duration and intensity of aerobic exercise. Data were synthesized using a random effects model to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Aerobic exercise was found to significantly improve flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in prehypertensive and hypertensive patients (WMD, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.20-3.26; P < 0.0001; I2 = 90%). Aerobic exercise, undertaken at a moderate or, even better, vigorous intensity, and lasting no less than 12 weeks, is an effective approach to improve flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in prehypertensive and hypertensive patients. The effect of aerobic exercise on endothelial function is influenced by participant characteristics: a better health status, a younger age, a larger basal body mass index, and a larger basal FMD were associated with larger improvement in FMD.
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