An exercise training combined with dietary program for patients with hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Preventive Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
• Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are foundational in managing blood pressure.
• The efficacy of combined interventions in short-term BP reduction warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a combined exercise training and diet program on blood pressure (BP), body weight, and body mass index (BMI).
• To assess the effectiveness of this intervention in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals over a three-week period.

Main Methods:

• A controlled clinical trial involving 56 participants (28 hypertensive, 28 normotensive).
• Intervention group: mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic BP ≤ 110 mmHg).
• Control group: normotensive (diastolic BP ≤ 90 mmHg).
• Both groups underwent a three-week combined exercise training and diet program.

Main Results:

• Hypertensive group: Significant reductions in diastolic BP (24.7 mmHg) and systolic BP (32.8 mmHg).
• Normotensive group: Significant reduction in diastolic BP (5.3 mmHg).
• Both groups experienced significant weight loss (hypertensive: 1.6 kg; normotensive: 1.5 kg) and BMI reduction.
• Weight loss showed a moderate positive correlation with BP reduction.

Conclusions:

• Combined exercise and diet effectively lowers BP, body weight, and BMI in individuals with mild to moderate hypertension.
• The intervention also demonstrated benefits in normotensive individuals.
• Long-term effects on morbidity and mortality require further study.