Failure of exercise to reduce blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension: results of a randomized controlled trial

Article Abstract:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects almost one in five white adults, and over one in three black adults. Therapy to reduce high blood pressure is aimed at minimizing such complications as kidney failure, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Drug therapy is widely accepted, as are various nondrug alternatives, including exercise and special diets. Many studies have found that exercise lowers blood pressure, and this study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of either aerobic training or strength training on blood pressure. Ninety-two mildly hypertensive men and women of normal weight and average fitness participated in aerobic or strength exercise training and had their blood pressure monitored over four months. The control group did not engage in any extra exercise. All three groups showed a significant decrease in blood pressure, with no statistically significant difference among the groups. The control group showed the greatest decrease in systolic blood pressure (the higher of the two numbers in a blood pressure reading), but the smallest difference in diastolic pressure (the lower number). Sex and race did not affect the findings. However, individuals with the greatest improvement in peak aerobic power had twice the amount of reduction in diastolic blood pressure as those with least improvement. For patients comparable to those in the study, moderate aerobic exercise without dietary changes is of little benefit. More vigorous exercise over a longer period may be more effective. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Evaluation, Hypertension, Exercise therapy

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Effects of mental stress on myocardial ischemia during daily life

Article Abstract:

Mental stress may increase the risk of myocardial ischemia, which is reduced blood flow to the heart. Researchers attached portable ECG recorders to 132 patients with coronary artery disease and a history of myocardial ischemia so they could be monitored for 48 hours. The patients kept a diary of the times they experienced tension, sadness or frustration. In the 58 patients who experienced myocardial ischemia, these feelings doubled the risk of ischemia after adjustment for other factors.

Psychological aspects, Physiological aspects, Stress (Psychology), Ischemia

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Effects of exercise and stress management training on markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with ischemic heart disease

Article Abstract:

The effect of 2 behavioral programs, aerobic exercise training and stress management training, with routine medical care on psychosocial functioning and markers of cardiovascular risk is determined. Results revealed that for patients with stable ischemic heart disease (IHD), exercise and stress management training reduced emotional distress and improved markers of cardiovascular risk more than usual medical care alone.

United States, Health aspects, Risk factors, Exercise, Stress management, Cardiac patients, Myocardial ischemia

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