Modifications in Cardiovascular Risk Factors When Performing Physical Exercise in Hypertensive and Dyslipidemic Patients

Single-center, randomized, parallel-group, controlled, open-label study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of an exercise training program intervention of different intensities (high intensity versus low-moderate intensity) on blood pressure reduction as a complementary strategy in hypertensive individuals being treated with at least one antihypertensive drug.

All participants included in the study were referred by their primary care physicians, who prescribed physical exercise as a healthy lifestyle intervention added to the antihypertensive regimens in the framework of the "ACTIVA-Murcia Program". Participants in the HIT and LMIT groups followed the same physical training program, with the only difference being the intensity of the training. The program included two phases of physical exercise lasting 12 weeks and 16 weeks, respectively, separated by a 7-week rest period, which coincided with a holiday period. The times of both phases were not equal in terms of duration, since it is a community physical exercise program established by the Region of Murcia, and does not depend on the researchers. The program was developed by graduates in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, who were in charge of teaching the exercises and supervised each training session. Participants assigned to the HIT and LMIT groups were given guidelines to continue physical exercise during the 7-week rest period, while participants in the control group were offered to participate in the program after the study.