Physical exercise and hypertension. New insights and cHnical impHcations. Am J Hypertens 1989;2(2 Pt 2): 60S-64S

In the last few years, the role of habitual physical activity in blood pressure regulation and in the prevention and treatment of mild hypertension has stimulated general interest. Both experimental and observational studies seem to show that physical exercise has a lowering effect on blood pressure. Some longitudinal training studies supplied data regarding the possibility of using physical training in the treatment of hypertensive patients. The mechanisms responsible for lower blood pressure induced by physical training are still unknown; however, the benefits from physical training last only as long as individuals continue to engage in regular physical activity. Am J Hypertens 1989; 2:60S-64S. KEY WORDS: Blood pressure, physical exercise, mild hypertension. The pathogenesis of essential hypertension is based on the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, even if the exact nature of the postulated genetic defect is still un known. Environmental factors that have been invoked to explain an elevated blood pressure (BP) include so dium and caloric intake, stress, and physical inactivity.1 In the last few years, general interest has been focused on regular isotonic exercise for the independent role it may play in the prevention and treatment of mild hy pertension. The relationship between physical exercise and hypertension is complicated by its influence on obe sity and weight loss. Furthermore, obesity may influ ence the cardiovascular response to physical exercise. In the present review, we considered what is known about the role of habitual physical activity in BP regulation and the numerous confounding variables