Exercise - especially when combined with weight loss - reduces blood pressure both at rest and in situations that typically increase BP such as intensive physical activity and emotional distress.

That's what researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina found when they tested 112 people with high blood pressure. The subjects were split into three groups: (1) combined exercise and behavioral weight management group; (2) exercise-only group; and (3) control group.

After six months of treatment, those in the first group had significantly lower diastolic BP and heart rate than the controls during both high and low levels of physical activity and emotional distress. Those in the exercise-only group had significantly lower blood pressure than the controls during low levels of activity or stress but not at high levels. Their BP was similar to that in the combined group.

Related information Lifestyle changes - Exercise

Source:  Steffen PR, Sherwood A, Gullette ECD, et al. Effects of exercise and weight loss on blood pressure during daily life. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, October 2001;33:1635-1640. (Abs.)