Effect of aerobic exercise training on patients with systemic arterial hypertension.

One hundred five patients with established diastolic hypertension were enrolled in an exercise program to examine the effect of aerobic conditioning on blood pressure. In four patients, the decrease in mean blood pressure was less than 5 mm Hg; in all others, there was a significant decline in arterial blood pressure. In 58 patients who were not taking drug medication in the pre-exercise period, mean blood pressure decreased by 15 mm Hg. Of 47 patients receiving drug therapy during the pre-exercise period, 24 were able to discontinue all medication. Mean blood pressure in this group fell from 116.9 +/- 6.5 mm Hg to 97.2 +/- 9.2 mm Hg as a result of exercise. In patients still taking antihypertensive drugs, mean pressure decreased from 120.9 +/- 28.8 mm Hg to 104.4 +/- 17.9 mm Hg after three months of exercise. It is concluded that in patients physically and emotionally able to exercise, a significant decline in blood pressure can be achieved.