EFFECTS OF A PHYSICAL EXERCISE PROGRAM ON LEVEL OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN HYPERTENSES

Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. As treatment, physical exercise seem to be an important strategy to reduce tensional level among hypertensive individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a physical exercise program, developed for hypertensive individuals, on blood pressure of controlled hypertensive individuals. Data was analyzed from exercise graded test at initial evaluation and revaluation of 66 individuals (58 women and 8 men; 57 + 11 years) enrolled at physical exercise program performed 60 minutes a day, three times per week, along 10 (+ 3) months. Were studied systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) at rest and during exercise, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Paired t test was used to evaluate the difference of baseline and post exercise period. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0,05. There were a statistical significance reduction for SBP at rest (-4,9 + 19,8 mmHg) and DBP at rest (-3,3 + 12,9 mmHg) and during exercise (-5,1 + 15,1 mmHg)(p<0,05). Furthermore, there was a statistically significative increase of VO2 max (+3,04 + 8,2 mlO2/Kg/min). We conclude that physical exercise program to controlled hypertensive individuals is an effective strategy to decrease BP levels and improve physical fitness.