Context
Exercise can lower blood pressure, but by how much and
in whom?
Contribution
This meta-analysis of 54 trials showed that previously sedentary
adults could decrease systolic blood pressure by 3.8
mm Hg (95% CI, 2.7 to 5.0 mm Hg) and diastolic blood
pressure by 2.6 mm Hg (CI, 1.8 to 3.4 mm Hg) with regular
aerobic exercise.
Exercise lowered blood pressure in people who were normotensive
or hypertensive; overweight or of normal
weight; and black, white, or Asian.
All frequencies, intensities, and types of aerobic exercise
lowered blood pressure.
Cautions
Trials lasting longer than 6 months showed smaller reductions
in blood pressure, perhaps because of difficulties in
sustaining regular exercise.