Effect of Aerobic Exercise in Patients With Essential Hypertension

Effects of Supervised Versus Unsupervised Aerobic Exercise Training on Weight Loss, Functional Capacity, Quality of Life and Depression Level in Patients With Essential Hypertension

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the effects of a supervised aerobic exercise training program on weight loss, functional capacity, quality of life (QoL), and depression levels in patients with essential hypertension.

Patients who chose the treatment type according to personal preferences were divided into two groups: Group 1(n:91) exercised for six weeks, five sessions per week under the supervision of a medical doctor in the aerobic exercise laboratory, and group 2(n:47) was advised to maintain dietary habits and physical activity levels. Body weight, serum lipid levels, functional capacity, QoL, and depression level of all the participants were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks later.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years of age,
• Absence of concomitant other metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having suffered an event of ischaemic heart disease (<6 months),
• Secondary hypertension,
• Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy,
• Congestive heart failure,
• Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia,
• Thyroid dysfunction,
• Diabetes mellitus,
• Symptomatic peripheral arterial occlusive disease,
• Aortic insufficiency or stenosis,
• Pulmonary or heart disease with dyspnoea at small or moderate effort,
• An outbreak of orthopedic problems on hip, knee or ankles, such as arthroplasty, contracture or severe osteoarthritis,
• Using of antidepressant or anxiolytic drugs,
• Pregnancy,
• Cognitive disfunction.