Aerobic and HIIT exercises slash blood pressure in hypertension patients

A new network meta-analysis in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examines how different exercise types affect 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in adults with hypertension. The study highlights the most effective training methods for lowering blood pressure around the clock. It also underscores gaps in current evidence for some approaches. Aerobic training emerged as the most consistent and effective way to reduce blood pressure over a full day. On average, it lowers systolic pressure by 4.73 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by 2.76 mm Hg. Its benefits stem from improved endothelial function and sustained vasodilation, which reduce total peripheral resistance.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) also delivers strong results, cutting systolic pressure by an average of 5.71 mm Hg. Combined aerobic and resistance training performs even better, achieving a 6.18 mm Hg drop in systolic pressure. Pilates shows promise for diastolic pressure, with reductions averaging 4.18 mm Hg, but current evidence is too limited for firm clinical advice.

The analysis recommends prioritising aerobic exercise, either alone, in intervals, or paired with resistance training. It calls for more rigorous trials to assess combined and interval protocols, standardise measurements, and track long-term adherence. The findings reinforce aerobic and combined training as the best strategies for managing hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring provides a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk by tracking daily fluctuations. Further research will help refine recommendations for other exercise forms like Pilates.