The Role of Physical Activity in Hypertension Management, a Short Review

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a common and potentially life-threatening disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The purpose of this article is to review the relationship between physical activity and hypertension, highlighting the underlying mechanisms, benefits, and recommendations for incorporating exercise into hypertension management strategies. Methods: Texts were searched with the keywords "hypertension," "physical activity," "exercise," "blood pressure regulation," and "lifestyle modification" from 2019 to 2022 in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to find the most relevant articles. Findings: Physical activity is recognized as a key lifestyle modification for the prevention and management of hypertension. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce hypertension-related complications. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week or vigorous-intensity exercise for 75 minutes per week is recommended. Resistance training should be performed at least twice weekly, targeting major muscle groups. Conclusion: Incorporating physical activity into daily routines should be encouraged as an influential non-pharmacological approach for people with hypertension or those at risk of developing it. Further research is necessary to investigate optimal exercise protocols and long-term adherence strategies for sustainable blood pressure control. © 2024 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.