Effect of exercise on hypertension and associated complications

Both cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological studies have shown that sedentary life style elevates blood pressure. Antihypertensive effectiveness of physical exercise has been also proven for the past ten years. We have carried out nine, (mostly controlled comparative) studies in the past over ten years. The mean changes of blood pressure by mild (approximately 50% maximum oxygen uptake) intensity cycle ergometer (60 min X 3 times a week X 10 week) in the controlled studies was -11/-6 mmHg. We found two mechanisms involved, a) sympathicolytic action and b) plasma depletion. Exercise not only lower blood pressure, but it is also known to improve lipid and glucose metabolism, and hence insulin sensitivity as has been applied for the therapy of diabetes mellitus. Exercise, therefore, should theoretically prevent cardiovascular diseases, and in fact, a prospective large scale epidemiological study has suggested that exercise will prevent cardiovascular death.