[Non pharmacological therapy in hypertensive patients--effect of physical exercise on hypertension]

Many well-controlled studies have shown that non-pharmacological treatments are effective in lowering blood pressure, especially in mild hypertensive. The principle proven measures are (1) reductions of sodium intake, body weight (in obesity) and alcohol and (2) physical exercise. Physical exercise has been proven for the antihypertensive effectiveness last ten years. We have carried out mine studies and demonstrated the reduction of blood pressure by mild (approximately 50% of maximum oxygen uptake) intensity cycle ergo meter (60 min. x 3 times a week x 10 week) by -11/-6 mmhg. We found sympathicolytic action and plasma volume depletion for the depressor effects. In hypertensive patients, life style modifications including exercise are the first step in the treatments of mild hypertensives.